St Helens men charged under Vagrancy Act to appear in court

They are accused of being at the former Pilkington Watson Street Works for an unlawful purpose <i>(Image: Stock)</i>
They are accused of being at the former Pilkington Watson Street Works for an unlawful purpose (Image: Stock)
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TWO men are due to appear in court today charged under the Vagrancy Act.

Steven Hobin, of Borrowdale Road, Portico, and Matthew Lambert, 32, of Cumberland Avenue, Portico, are facing charges relating to an alleged incident at the former Pilkington Watson Street Works on Canal Street, St Helens, on Monday, April 13.

Both men are accused of being found on enclosed premises for an unlawful purpose, an offence under the now-repealed Vagrancy Act 1824.

The government repealed the Vagrancy Act across England and Wales on June 29 this year, but the alleged offences are said to have occurred before its removal.

Hobin, 40, faces a single charge under the act.

Lambert, 32, faces the same charge, as well as two others.

He is also accused of going equipped for theft, allegedly being found in possession of a pair of scissors.

Lambert is also charged with possession of a Class A drug, accused of having a snap bag of cocaine at Belle Vale Custody Suite.

Both men are due to appear at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court today, Friday, September 25, for a first hearing.

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