Homeless man is jailed after "aggressive begging" in Sheffield

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court – sitting at Sheffield Crown Court - heard how Gavin Parkin, aged 38, of no fixed abode, admitted five counts of using threatening behaviour after he had approached people near a Co-op at Clarkson Street, Broomhall, not far from Sheffield University and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

John Booth, defending, said: “What he appears to have done is approached a number of people asking for money and he says he does not intend to cause people harm.”

Parkin is mentally ill and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to Mr Booth.

Mr Booth added he approached people near a Co-op in a manner which was “aggressive begging” and two of the people were security guards who followed him.

Parkin, who has a criminal record, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour towards four people on May 1 and admitted using threatening behaviour towards a further person on April 29.

Mr Booth explained Parkin had been staying in Chapel Town, Sheffield, but was struggling with benefits and had come out of custody into a “vacuum” and he had not received help.

Parkin had lived at the 911 Project, on Filey Street, Sheffield, and has been asking people outside the shop to help because he has been hungry, according to Mr Booth.

Mr Booth added: “He appreciates his manner can upset people and distress them though that is never his intention.”

Magistrates sentenced Parkin on May 4 to three-months of custody. He must pay a £128 victim surcharge.