An aggressive beggar was branded a "rogue and a vagabond" by magistrates after he admitted using threats to get money.

Clive Davies, of the night shelter in Luther Street, Oxford, was caught on video demanding money from passers-by in the city centre last week.

He admitted one charge of begging and one of using threatening behaviour when he appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court.

As this was his second offence of begging, magistrates invoked the Vagrancy Act of 1824 to formally brand him a "rogue and vagabond". He was also fined £100. If convicted a third time he faces a much stiffer penalty.

Roger Coventry, prosecuting, said Davies, a part-time student, was filmed begging between Broad Street and High Street on November 10. On one occasion he had scuffled with a man who refused to give him £2 for the night shelter. On another occasion he followed a man, constantly asking for money. Mr Coventry said it was important to distinguish between passive beggars and aggressive beggars.

Davies, defending himself, told magistrates: "The reason I do it is because I do not have a lot of money. I do not mean to be aggressive, but I get rude comments passed towards me when I am begging and when I answer back it is called aggressive begging."

Magistrates told Davies his behaviour was "totally unacceptable". He was also ordered to pay £45 costs. When he said he could not pay, he was ordered to be kept in the cells at the court for the rest of the day and then released.

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Story date: Wednesday 17 November

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