Mansfield Woodhouse man jailed for string of offences in Kirkby

Alex Swain, of Coxs Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, admitted three breaches of his criminal behaviour order and further charges of handling stolen goods, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article and driving while disqualified.

Swain was jailed for a total of one year for the offences which were committed in the Coxmoor area of Kirkby. He was also banned from driving for six months.

Sergeant Andy Lee, of the Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The admission of guilt and sentencing of Alex Swain demonstrates our commitment to combating the criminal elements who frequent the area.

"We appreciate that there is still work to do on the estate but this is a testament to our ongoing partnership work with Ashfield District Council of which this was the initial stage," he said.

"Following a joint operation we ran in the Coxmoor Estate in early December and the subsequent arrest of Alex Swain, officers from both organisations have been completing daily patrols in the area.

"Several residents have approached us and commented about the increased visible presence of both organisations and how it has improved their perception of the safety of the estate.

"We’d encourage the public to continue to engage with officers from both organisations to improve and take ownership of their community."

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, added: "The arrest, charging and sentencing of Alex Swain demonstrates the effectiveness of partnership working on Coxmoor.

"The day of action we had in December is just one of the things we are doing to combat anti-social behaviour in the area. Police and council officers have increased their presence in the area, resulting in a number of positive outcomes including seizing four mopeds.

"Patrols in the area are having a real impact on the lives of residents, and we have received positive feedback from residents on the difference our presence has already had on the feeling on the estate.

"We are committed to working closely with the Police and other agencies to tackle the problems on Coxmoor and other areas of the district. We understand that this cannot be done overnight, but our continued presence in the area and the arrest and conviction of known troublemakers like Alex Swain can have a real, long-term, positive effect on communities."