Manchester woman banned from city centre for five years after theft during riots

A Manchester woman who stole from a looted shop during August’s riots has been banned from the city centre for five years.

Linda Boyd, 31 of Acomb Street in Hulme, had already been convicted of theft after she was caught with tobacco and alcohol stolen from a shop in Shudehill. She was given a suspended prison sentence for the offence.

Manchester City Council then applied for an anti-social behaviour order, which was granted at a hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court last month.

Under the order Boyd, who did not attend the hearing, is banned from going anywhere within the city’s inner ring road. She is also banned from remaining in any shop or other commercial premises if asked to leave by staff.

The order lasts until October 2016. A breach of either condition could see Boyd sent to prison.

Cllr Paul Andrews, Manchester's executive member for neighbourhood services, said: "We have already seen a strong reaction to the riots by Manchester residents, Greater Manchester Police and the courts, and the city council will continue to issue ASBOs against those responsible.

"The message is simple - if you attempt to ruin our city centre, you are not welcome here."

In September the local authority obtained the first ASBO against an individual convicted in connection with the riots. Jason Ulett of Ancoats was also banned from the city centre.