A PROLIFIC beggar in Reading has been jailed for breaching his criminal behaviour order 25 times.

Benjamin Taylor, 35, of Russell Street, Reading, was caught begging in the streets of Reading town centre over the past six months.

Thames Valley Police said he breached his Criminal Behaviour Order 25 times.

He was arrested and charged on November 2.

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Investigating officer, PC Vince Moore, of the Reading Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a great result for a prolific offender with a history of begging and breaching court orders a multitude of times.

“We know that the general public want to help people they see begging on the street, but they are often using the money to fund addiction. We ask instead that people donate to local charities that can assist them in getting the professional help they need.”

Taylor was then sentenced to 11 months and two weeks’ imprisonment on Thursday, November 11 at Reading Magistrates’ Court.