AN alcoholic with a history of convictions has been given an antisocial behaviour order.

Christopher Agombar, of Cutting Drive, Halstead, was given the order for three years at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how the 35-year-old had previously been convicted of a string of offences, and was sentenced to 18 weeks in jail when he was convicted of breaching an interim Asbo in August.

Fiona Philpott, prosecuting, told the court how Agombar was convicted of being drunk and disorderly on May 27, and possessing drugs, assaulting a police constable and being drunk and disorderly on June 11, as well as displaying violent behaviour in a police station on June 29.

He also has convictions for battery and threatening behaviour. She added: “Fairly quickly after release from court, he’s gone on to cause further harrassment, alarm and distress to members of the public.”

Tina Hall, antisocial behaviour support officer for Essex Police, said members of the public, including those who worked for agencies, felt they needed further protection.

She believed Agombar would still cause problems if he was in a rehabilitation unit, and was not satisfied he only acted aggressively when drunk.

Natasha Nair, mitigating, said: “He does not accept the order being necessary to protect the public from harm.”

She said Agombar accepted he has an alcohol problem, but argued an antisocial behaviour order would be setting him up to fail.

The order says Agombar must not be drunk in a public place, including pubs.

He must not use threatening, insulting or abusive words or behaviour towards anyone not in his household, including those employed in the public services, and he must not assault, threaten or intimidate anyone.

Miss Nair said Agombar had been assisted by mental health agencies in the past.