A MAN who terrorised his neighbours has been banned from making contact with any of them for two years.

Beaucham Crawford, 61, has caused widespread fear and concern among residents in Bardfield Way, Rayleigh.

The latest incident saw him threatening neighbours with a meat cleaver, before being arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a knife.

Neighbours told the Echo how they often feel unable to leave their homes for fear of bumping into him in the street.

Investigating officer, PC Peter Jacob, from the Rayleigh Policing Team, said: “The defendant has inflicted considerable distress and anxiety to his neighbours.

“He caused them to feel unsafe in their own homes for fear of coming into contact with him. Any form of knife-crime will not be tolerated by Essex Police and we will ensure a positive conviction so members of the public can feel safe in their own neighbourhoods without fear or violence.”

Crawford was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court. He was given a two-year restraining order which prohibits him from contacting any of his neighbours - and a two-month curfew with electronic tagging.

He was also ordered to pay £185 in costs.

One woman, who has asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said: “The police go there often. He could be quite violent. I don’t hear or see him much, but he has lived there for some time.

“There’s been problems and people have kept having to call police.”

The woman, who lives opposite Crawford’s flat, added: “I would look out of my window and, quite often, the police would be there. The fact he has been threatening doesn’t surprise me.”

Another man who works in the area added: “He causes quite a lot of disturbances and he always has his music really loud. I think there have been a few noise complaints. He’s a nuisance to the neighbours.”

But one neighbour recalled when he wasn’t any trouble.

He said: “I was a taxi driver and about 20 years ago I picked him and his girlfriend up. He was good as gold then and didn’t cause a problem.

“But he has definitely changed now.”