Reports from Glastonbury residents and businesses helped police build the case against Les Roper after he repeatedly ignored a court order banning him from the town.

Avon and Somerset Police said Roper had deliberately breached restrictions intended to protect the community, despite being given multiple opportunities to comply.

The force has now welcomed the outcome after Leslie Roper, 47, received a 78-week custodial sentence at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 7 October, in cases involving breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order and assault by beating. The court also imposed a five-year restraining order.

His sentencing came exactly six weeks after magistrates imposed the three-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which prohibited him from entering Glastonbury except for pre-arranged medical appointments.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "Les Roper has repeatedly and deliberately ignored the conditions of a Criminal Behaviour Order that was put in place to prevent further offending and protect our local community. Despite being given multiple opportunities to comply with the restrictions imposed by the courts, he continued to breach the order and showed a clear disregard for both the law and the impact of his actions on those around him.

"His persistent offending has caused ongoing concern for residents and placed a significant demand on police resources. Criminal Behaviour Orders are an important tool in tackling prolific offenders and anti-social behaviour, and we will always take robust action when individuals choose to ignore them.

"This outcome demonstrates the value of Criminal Behaviour Orders in protecting victims and communities from persistent anti-social behaviour. It reflects the increasing importance being placed on civil powers and orders nationally, with recent legislative reforms reinforcing their role in tackling repeat offenders. Securing this result required a collective effort from police, partners, businesses and residents, and sends a clear message that breaches of court-imposed restrictions will be robustly enforced."

The force said information supplied by the public had helped officers establish a pattern of behaviour and gather evidence for court.

"Those reports mattered. They allowed us to build a clear picture of his behaviour and provide the court with the evidence needed to take further action.

"Today's result is testament to the persistence of residents and businesses, neighbourhood police officers, our anti-social behaviour team and our partner agencies. The restrictions imposed by the court will provide greater protection for the community and help make Glastonbury a safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors.

"It also shows why we encourage people to keep reporting. Even where an individual incident may appear minor, reporting helps us identify patterns of behaviour, gather evidence and take action to protect our communities."

Roper received the Criminal Behaviour Order on 26 August after admitting stealing items from Aldi in Chip Lane, Taunton, in November 2024. He was given an eight-month conditional discharge for that theft and ordered to pay £50 compensation.

Alongside the Glastonbury ban, the order prohibited him from possessing or consuming open alcohol in any public place in Somerset.

He was also barred from possessing, carrying, using or controlling prescription-only medication unless lawfully prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

The order prohibited him from entering or loitering outside premises from which he had received a written exclusion or ban, or entering private property — including gardens, driveways, yards and outbuildings — without the express permission of the lawful owner or occupier.

He could only enter public toilets to use the toilet and washing facilities for their genuine purpose and had to leave immediately afterwards.

Further restrictions prohibited behaviour or threats capable of causing nuisance, annoyance, alarm, harassment or distress to members of the public, emergency services or people carrying out their jobs.

Residents can report anti-social behaviour through the Avon and Somerset Police website.

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