A DRUNK with a history of violence has been banned from public houses and clubs in the area where he lives.

David Nash, 36, is the first person in Cranbrook to be made the subject of an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)).

Nash, from Huntingdon Close, Cranbrook, was also jailed for 120 days when he appeared before Ashford magistrates.

Under the terms of the ASBO, Nash is banned from going into licensed premises in Cranbrook and surrounding villages for two years.

His appearance in court came after he punched a 15-year-old boy waiting at a bus stop in Cranbrook High Street on March 22. The boy was left with a nose bleed and a split lip.

When Nash was arrested and taken to Ashford Police Station, he was abusive to a female police officer and spat in her face.

Nash, a labourer, admitted both offences when he appeared before the court.

The magistrates were told Nash had a history of drunkeness, threatening behaviour and driving offences.

The ASBO, made after months of work by the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Partnership to curb his offensive behaviour, also prohibits Nash from:

* using or threatening violence or language or inciting anyone to do so.

* using foul or abusive or racist language or gestures which could to cause harassment, alarm and distress.

* engaging in any form of criminal damage, being drunk in a public place, consuming alcohol in a public place and spitting in any public place which causes harassment, alarm or distress to any person.

Cranbrook's town centre constable, PC Dave Hulme, said: "This man has caused the police problems for some time. Hopefully, ordinary people will be able to enjoy a quieter life now."