Loiterers in Barking town centre have been jailed for breaching an injunction preventing them drinking and begging in the area.

Tommy Olds, 40, and Rickey Hillier, 47, both of no fixed abode, were spotted by police in Station Parade on October 3. They were subsequently sentenced and on October 4 the pair pleaded not guilty to charges, but were sentenced to 14 days in Pentonville Prison.

The men were part of an original group of ten people who were “causing anti-social behaviour due to persistent drinking in Barking town centre.”

Councillor Laila Butt, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “It could be quite intimidating if people are getting harassed when they come home from work or are going about their business and we weant our residents to feel safe when travelling throughout the borough.

“We are doing everything we can to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the area and I welcome this verdict.”