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A prolific shoplifter who regularly exploited vulnerable people has been banned from a city centre for five years. Donna Stewart, of Church Road, Northwich, was issued with a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (November 4). The order comes after officers submitted evidence to the court that Stewart had been targeting retailers across Chester and taking high value items such as meat and beauty products from them without making any attempt to pay. The court was also told during Stewart’s hearing that the 43-year-old was also the subject of 11 partial and full closure orders. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE These were a direct result of her targeting a number of vulnerable people by forcing herself into their homes and using them for her and her associates to carry out drug-related and anti-social behaviour. Under the terms of the order, Stewart has been banned from entering Chester city centre and several residences of multiple occupancy, such as sheltered housing and supported living accommodation, until November 2030. She would face a substantial fine or even a prison sentence if she breaches it. Inspector James Wilson, of Chester Local Policing Unit’s Neighbourhood Team, said: “Stewart has been a consistent issue for our Chester retailers and the vulnerable people who live within the surrounding area, the latter of whom have been forced to live in fear of violence when she and her group of associates took over their homes. “Not only that, but her consistently poor behaviour has regularly resulted in policing resources being diverted in her direction, so I am very grateful that the courts have imposed this order. “The implementation of this criminal behaviour order will significantly impact upon her frequent criminality and protect the most vulnerable members of our Chester communities from further harm or distress.” --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable , highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
