A persistent beggar has been jailed for begging and possessing drug paraphernalia. 

Benjamin Bio, 42, of Maplestead Road, Dagenham, was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order by Romford Magistrates’ Court in March 2022. 

The order banned him from begging in any part of the London Borough of Redbridge and from possessing drug paraphernalia. 

But on March 5 this year he was arrested by officers in Ilford town centre for doing both of those things.

On April 3 he appeared at Romford Magistrates’ Court again for sentencing. 

He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and was made the subject of a new criminal behaviour order. 

The order prevents him from entering Ilford, approaching any person with the clear intention of begging and being in possession of drug paraphernalia - named as crack pipes, foil or wire wool.