BOOSBECK/CLEVELAND: Man threw dogs into path of oncoming cars

Man threw dogs into path of oncoming cars

Paul Postgate was given a five-year Asbo

A man who threw dogs into the path of oncoming traffic has been handed a five-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order after making residents' lives a misery.

Paul Postgate was banned from keeping dogs by magistrates and told to stop his intimidating behaviour which he has used in villages across Cleveland.

The RSPCA, Redcar and Cleveland Council and Cleveland Police took action to secure the Asbo from Guisborough Magistrates last week.

Mr Postgate, 45, of Brookside, Boosbeck, east Cleveland, was accused of around 20 incidents of cruelty and intimidation over previous months.

Included in the cruelty allegations were claims he threw under-nourished and aggressive dogs into the path of passing cars which had to brake hard to avoid hitting the mistreated animals.

He was also accused of threatening people with a large piece of wood, shouting at people and waving his arms at passers-by.

Mr Postgate did not attend the hearing and was not represented in court.

The terms of the Asbo prevent him from threatening residents, walking down the middle of the road, possessing drugs, obstructing traffic, urinating in public, drinking alcohol in public, carrying a wooden pole or stick and owning a dog.

After the court hearing, Pc Claire Hornsby said: "I have spoken with a number of the complainants and it is evident that Postgate is feared by many residents, who are intimidated not only by his behaviour, but by his physical appearance and mere presence in the community.

"It is clear that members of the public are concerned for their personal safety and feel deeply distressed and incensed by his behaviour towards animals in his possession in public.

"This order would not have been possible without the support and assistance of the numerous members of the public who have reported incidents to the agencies and have provided the information to support this application."

The council's member for community protection and ward member for Skelton, Dave McLuckie, who is also chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this particular individual has received what can only be described as a fairly lengthy order.

"It is a testament to the community who have stood up to intimidation and threats to help us bring about this Asbo."

RSPCA inspector Nick Jones said Mr Postgate once connected two dogs with a piece of twine and made them walk down a road on opposite sides of a pavement.

"If a car had come along and the driver had not seen them, it would have been devastating for the dogs," he said.

Mr Jones said local residents had removed some animals from Mr Postgate and re-homed the pets themselves.

He is now the subject of two RSPCA investigations.

Mr Jones continued: "The terms of the Asbo prohibit him from keeping dogs for five years, which is fantastic.

"If only half the stories, reports and statements that were put forward were true, it would paint a very disturbing picture about him."