The Corporation of Hamilton is looking to impose harsh measures to stop begging - including an order banning panhandlers from roaming the city's streets.

Corporation secretary Roger Sherratt said action had to be taken before tourism was severely damaged, or someone even injured.

He talked to The Royal Gazette about his frustration after an elderly couple on holiday on the Island were accosted by aggressive beggar Jinx Darrell last week.

Mr. Sherratt said he had written to Nottingham City Council in England for information after it placed an injunction banning known trouble-makers from the city, including a beggar.

He said: "We possibly only have four beggars in Hamilton, but Jinx is by far the worst. He is causing us a lot of concern.

"He is at it all day and all night and he is brazen. It must be frightening for visitors. He is over 6ft tall and can be very forceful. When he approaches visitors, especially the elderly, they feel they have to give money to him. It's very intimidating."

Taxi driver Voorhees Tucker told The Royal Gazette how he had picked up the elderly tourists on Front Street last Thursday night.

He said they got into his cab in a hurry and were very shaken, and then explained to him how they had been targeted by Mr. Darrell.

He said Mr. Darrell had originally asked for $5 from the couple, but went on to harass them after they said they had no money for him. As they began to walk away he followed them and came in front of them, stopping the pair in their tracks before demanding cash.

Fearing for their safety the elderly gentleman, believed to be in his 70s, handed Jinx a $2 note.

But to his amazement Jinx told him it was not good enough and demanded an extra dollar. It was only when a taxi pulled up that the couple were able to make their escape.

Mr. Tucker said: "They were very upset when they got in my car, and understandably so.

"They told me that Bermuda was everything they thought it would be but were shocked at what had happened. I suggested they call the Police and the Tourism Department, but they just said they wanted to get home. It's about time someone took some action because someone is going to get injured.

"This is probably happening every day. Something has to be done because this is very, very bad for our tourism trade."

Mr. Tucker said it was time beggars were banned from the city's streets and said harsh measures needed to be taken against Mr. Darrell.

When The Royal Gazette contacted the Tourism Department about the incident a staff member said they were very concerned and wished to talk to the elderly couple, the taxi driver and Mr. Sherratt.

Jinx Darrell has been arrested on numerous occasions for begging but the courts have claimed there is little they can do as it is a social problem.

Mr. Sherratt said ten minutes after being released from the court, Jinx was back out on the streets again demanding cash from unsuspecting passers-by.

He said one of the difficulties was getting witnesses to testify in court as often they were tourists who were leaving the Island.

But even when Mr. Darrell is brought before the courts little can be done.

Mr. Sherratt said: "I know the Police are frustrated because they have been arresting him and taking him to court, but the courts have said they are not going to deal with it.

"It is an offence to beg and the Corporation would like the law to be carried out. If somebody breaks the law they should be dealt with, but if the courts don't do it then maybe we should look at imposing an injunction like they did in Nottingham."

Mr. Sherratt said he would have to talk to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Police about the implications of such a move. If there was an injunction it has been suggested it should cover the City of Hamilton and Pitt's Bay Road, and areas leading to the hotels.

Mr. Darrell is already banned from the city's parks for accosting women.