A MAN has appeared before the courts in the first Dorset prosecution for the alleged breach of an order labelled a 'blunt instrument' by critics.

Robert Bell, of Old Farm Road in Poole, is charged with breaching a public space protection order, or PSPO, in the Dolphin Centre car park on September 18 last year.

Prosecutors allege he sat with a flat cap on the ground in front of him and didn't leave the area when asked to do so by an authorised officer.

The PSPO, which covers the town centre and Holes Bay area, was introduced last year.

Officials at Poole council then argued the move was necessary to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

The order, which remains in place, prohibits begging for money, food or drink. It also bans people from using a receptacle for begging, leaving belongings unattended, possessing or supplying intoxicating substances, and behaviour likely to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others.

Bell, 42, has not entered a plea to the charge, and is due to appear back before the court in May.

Ian Cooke, safer communities manager for the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said prosecutions are a "last resort".

"The PSPO for Poole town centre and Holes Bay came into effect in April last year and aims to reduce anti-social behaviour to make the town centre a safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses and visitors," Mr Cooke said.

As reported in the Echo, human rights group Liberty has accused councils of practising a 'form of social cleansing' by acquiring the power to issue fines of up to £100 for rough sleeping, begging and loitering.

Lawyer Rosie Brighouse said: "PSPOs are a very blunt instrument – they can only lead to people being fined.

"We also worry in a lot of ways it's a form of social cleansing."