Ilfracombe street drinker fined for breaching court order

An Ilfracombe man has been fined by magistrates after disregarding and earlier court order banning him from drinking alcohol in public in the town.

Stephen Cox, of Oxford Park, Ilfracombe, was found guilty in absence for failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice served to him in October 2024 at a hearing at Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on March 11, 2025.

The successful prosecution was brought against him by North Devon Council.

A CPN can be imposed on individuals over the age of 16 where their conduct is unreasonable, consistent and has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community.

Cox's CPN requires him not to consume alcohol or be in possession of any unsealed or open containers of alcohol in a public place within the council's Public Spaces Protection Order areas, as well as Ilfracombe's Wildersmouth, Cheyne or Harbour beaches. The CPN also prohibits antisocial behaviour such as shouting and swearing and public urination.

The court heard Cox was seen drinking cider in Ilfracombe High Street on January 12 and in Wilder Road car park on January 16. He was also seen to be in possession of an open can of cider in the High Street on January 20.

Cox was ordered to pay a £120 fine, a victim surcharge of £48 and £50 in costs.

Chief executive of North Devon Council, Ken Miles, said: “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community is a top priority and while issuing a Community Protection Notice to someone is not a decision that is taken lightly, we will take robust action against the small minority who persistently commit antisocial behaviour in our community.

“Our Public Spaces Protection Orders are in place to protect our residents and visitors, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure North Devon, and in this case Ilfracombe, is a safe and pleasant place to live, work and visit.”