by Helen Fairley

A man who has been arrested 25 times this year for alcohol related anti-social behaviour has been given an ASBO.

46-year-old Dale Cooper, of no fixed abode, has been banned from drinking alcohol or possessing an open container of alcohol in Maidstone town centre.

He is also prevented from using abusive or threatening language or behaviour, causing alarm or distress to others and inciting violence for two years.

Maidstone Magistrates heard how on previous occasions while under the influence of alcohol, Cooper had urinated at a town bus station, a public park and in Maidstone High Street, tried to hit security staff at the Chequers Centre and had chased young girls while shouting abuse at them.

It was also heard he had been convicted on more than 10 occasions for drunken related anti-social behaviour violence.

Town centre officer PC Desmond Dalzell said: “Up until now police have not had the power to impose a more serious punishment on Cooper. Now, however, if he is found to breach the order he will be sent straight to court and could receive a custodial sentence of up to five years in prison.

"We want to enforce acceptable levels of behaviour in Maidstone and take action against the minority of people who are intent on intimidating or harassing others."

Anyone who witnesses Cooper breaching the conditions of his ASBO, for the next two years should contact the police straight away.

Cooper was also ordered to pay £75 in fines and court costs.