Home   Medway   News   Article

Beggar 'Billy the Quid' gets final court warning

Sukhvender Singh Deo
Sukhvender Singh Deo

A persistent beggar who once fleeced a good samaritan out of £35,000 has admitted pestering people again.

Sukhvender Singh Deo, 43, appeared before magistrates in Medway earlier this week, where he pleaded guilty.

Deo has been begging in the Medway Towns for years and has become known as Billy the Quid due to his familiar demands.

He has been given two Asbos to prevent him from asking people for money.
He was given his first in March 2006 and ordered to keep out of Chatham town centre.
The Asbo lasted for two years, but when it expired, Deo, who now lives in Lester Road, Chatham, began begging in the town again.

In 2010 magistrates imposed a second Asbo banning him from entering a large area of Chatham’s town centre. The order also prevented him from begging or seeking charitable donations from anyone other than for a registered charity.

However, Deo ignored the order and breached it on at least one occasion and was later charged with harassment in relation to taking money from Bridget Macedonski.
He was jailed for two years and given an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting Mrs Macedonski.

However, since he’s been out, already this year he has appeared before magistrates in Medway at least three times in relation to begging in the Towns.

This week the court heard he was seen pestering people and begging again outside the Co-op store in Luton Road on August 9 and when he was arrested he admitted in an interview he had been begging and he apologised.

Christina Rowberry, defending, said: “He is an addict and his dad was brutally murdered in 1991 and since then he has suffered mental health issues.
“He is a schizophrenic but his heroin addiction is now under control and he is on other medication.

“The long-term plan is he is moved to supported accommodation and the reason he was asking for money is because of the one-armed bandits, the fruit machines at betting shops. He gets bored at home and he doesn’t get given money to spend.”

Magistrates decided to fine him £25 and ordered he pay £85 court costs.
Barry Boakes, chairman of the bench, said: “This is the third time this year. This is the last time we are going to fine you. You need to get help.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More