A Falklands War veteran has been jailed for 18 months for numerous breaches of an Asbo order.

Ex-soldier Michael Ahern, 59, of Station Road East, Canterbury had been banned from drinking alcohol in public.

But prosecutor David Ross told Canterbury Crown Court that on August 19, Ahern had gone into Victoria Stores in Margate.

“He went to the fridge and picked out two cans of lager but made no attempt to pay for them.

“As he was leaving, the assistant followed him and took the cans back and then locked the shop door.”

Ahern began kicking the shop window, causing a £400 crack, the court heard.

Mr Ross said police officers arrived and found him drunk - putting him in breach of an Asbo order banning him from drinking in a public place. He also admitted theft and causing criminal damage.

The court was told that Ahern has made from than 30 court appearances for 50 offences - including at least seven previous Asbo breaches.

Charlotte Surley, defending, said Ahern had distinguished himself as a soldier in the Falklands War.

“From those experiences he was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. He has since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This is very sad case.”