AN epileptic man was threatened with being banned from Stretford Mall after being accused of harassment – for ‘staring’.

Geoff Jones, 54, has suffered from epilepsy from the age of seven and his severe fits mean he cannot work, drive or use public transport.

After the death of his mother, Geoff, who lives alone with his dog, who is also epileptic, started making almost daily trips to Stretford Mall, within close walking distance of his home.

After doing his shopping in the morning, Geoff would pass most of the day sitting on the mall’s benches.

“I know the dangers of social isolation,” said Geoff. “This is my way of communicating with people; I don’t want to be sat home in an empty house. Silence is a killer.”

However, Geoff was suddenly told that he was only welcome to ‘rest’ on the benches for 10 minutes a day.

According to management, Geoff had been reported to the police for harassment for ‘staring’ into shops. He faced a ban if another complaint was made.

“I displayed no threatening behavior, I was simply sat near a shop,” said Geoff.

"Anyone can be accused of staring. Sometimes, with my epilepsy, I get these turns and it's like I'm not in my body, I go blank.

“And they said I was ‘possibly’ taking photos, which is untrue. These are serious accusations and my name has been dragged through the mud.”

Desperate to clear his name, Geoff volunteered to speak to the police but no action was taken.

Geoff said he contacted area managers for the stores accusing him of harassment, only to be told no formal complaints had been made, and also called on MP Kate Green for help. 

In the meantime, a defiant Geoff continued to visit the mall and was be escorted out by security. On two such occasions, he suffered severe epileptic fits.

“I have everything to show that I have done nothing wrong and I have as much right to be there as anyone else,” he said.

When Geoff was finally granted a meeting with the mall management in December 2015, he was given a reprieve. The restrictions were lifted.

But Geoff said he is still waiting on a letter from management which proves he can move freely in the mall and is angry his reputation has been sullied.

“I feel like I’m always being watched,” he said. “I thought the meeting with management was positive but word of mouth means nothing. They offered me proof and have done a U-turn. “I don’t want any more grief.”

A spokesperson for Stretford Mall said: “We have met with Mr Jones on a number of occasions now, and have clearly reiterated that there are no special restrictions on his use of the centre. As an inclusive member of our community, we welcome all shoppers equally.

"This policy has been communicated to Mr Jones again recently, and we can only reiterate that like every other shopper, Mr Jones is welcome to use the mall.”