A man who pretends to be homeless to beg outside shops in Cheltenham has been served with an anti-social behaviour injunction.

Alan Dainton would sit on streets on an almost daily basis, bringing with him items to make it look like he was a rough sleeper in order to persuade people to part with their cash.

But the 47-year-old had a home at Vittoria Walk and was in receipt of full benefits, including housing benefits and merely begging to fund his drug habit.

The case against him was brought by Solace, a joint team from Gloucestershire Constabulary, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council.

Louise Boyle from Solace said: "Before taking enforcement action we were aware that Mr Dainton when begging was telling members of the public that he was homeless, however, he had accommodation.

"We were also aware that he was then using this money gained from begging to fund his drug habit.

"We followed a process of a verbal warning, a letter of concern and a final warning letter asking Mr Dainton to stop his behaviour.

"At each stage he was also signposted to where he could receive support in the hope that it would help him break the cycle of drug use.

"Solace is committed to reducing anti-social behaviour in both Cheltenham and Gloucester through support and where needed enforcement action."

The civil injunction order imposed by the courts forbids Mr Dainton from engaging in behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress and begging at any time in Cheltenham.

He is not allowed to enter Cheltenham Town centre or attend and engage with the social care provider Change, Grow Live.

Anyone witnessing Mr Dainton breaching the terms of his Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction is asked to contact the police on 101 or contact Solace on 01242 264368.