POLICE have banned a Bideford man from drinking alcohol in any public space after concerns around his alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

On August 27, Robert Tellem, aged 29, pleaded guilty to one count of violence to secure entry, three counts of assault by beating, one count of common assault, two counts of assaults on emergency workers, one count of criminal damage, one count of damage to police property and 11 counts of theft from a shop.

Exeter Magistrates’ Court sentenced Tellem to 52 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and granted a full Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will be in place until August 27, 2029.

The CBO prohibitions include, but are not limited to:

  • Entering the Public Space Protection Order area in Bideford;
  • Entering an exclusion zone in Barnstaple;
  • Attending North Devon District Hospital without a prior appointment, unless in an emergency;
  • Acting in an anti-social manner which may cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person within England and Wales;
  • Stating or implying that you are (or have been) a member of the Armed Forces;
  • Approaching any person to ask for money;
  • Urinating, exposing your penis or masturbating in any public area where you could be in view of anyone;
  • Consuming alcohol or being drunk or under the influence of alcohol in a public place, with exception of a public house within Devon or Cornwall;
  • Entering or attempting to enter any premises or shop from which he is banned, which include: Morrisons Daily, The Quay, Bideford; Morrisons, Kingsley Road, Bideford; Tesco, Rose Lane, Barnstaple; Tesco Taw Vale, Barnstaple; Tesco, High Street, Barnstaple; Café Onboard, Landivisiau Walk, Bideford; Primark, High Street, Barnstaple; Tarka Leisure Centre, Barnstaple; Roundswell Services, Roundswell, Barnstaple.

Tellem was also ordered to pay compensation to his victims totalling £816.42.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Laura Hancock-Smith said: “We welcome this sentence and are pleased with the court’s decision to implement a Criminal Behaviour Order.

“Robert Tellem has been a persistent offender in North Devon over the summer months and his anti-social behaviour has been causing significant distress for the community and increasing demand on police resources during an incredibly busy time of year.

“I hope this action reassures people living in North Devon that we take reports of antisocial behaviour and shop theft seriously.

“We will continue to work alongside the community and partner organisations to ensure Tellem complies with the conditions outlined in the CBO upon his release from prison.”

Anyone with concerns or information about antisocial behaviour should report it to police online using the reporting tool on the force website: dc.police.uk or by calling 101.