A MAN has been slapped with an Asbo for repeated drunken behaviour in Huddersfield.

The order means that Gary Foster, 36, must not be found drinking anywhere in public within Huddersfield ring road for two years.

Magistrates issued the anti-social behaviour order after hearing how Foster, of Hebden Court in Chesil Bank, Quarmby, had repeatedly ignored police requests to leave town.

Vanessa Schofield, prosecuting, said that officers had been on duty in St Peter’s Gardens, next to the Parish Church, on April 7. They were assisting Kirklees Community Rangers as there had been a large gathering of drinkers there.

The area, like other public areas in the town, is an alcohol-free zone.

Ms Schofield said: “The defendant was there drinking with a cup in his hand which appeared to have alcohol in it.

“He was spoken to by officers and told them ‘you can f*** off with that’. He was then arrested.”

The bench was told that on September 30, Foster was found again drinking in the gardens of the church. This time he had a bottle of cider in his hand and was told by officers to not come back to the town centre within 24 hours.

However, later that afternoon he was seen again drinking with a group of people.

On October 1, Foster was seen drunk in Huddersfield bus station, despite being banned from the premises.

He was asked by police again to leave the town centre and was abusive to officers.

Foster was seen in the town again just after 7pm and officers arrested him for not complying with the direction.

Ms Schofield asked magistrates to give him an Asbo to prevent further problems caused by his drinking.

The court was told that Foster held a number of convictions for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

His solicitor Charles Ainley said that while he had a significant history, an Asbo would have little real effect.

He said: “Huddersfield is an alcohol exclusion area and the only place you can drink is in a licensed premises.

“The order would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”

Magistrates made the order as they deemed it necessary to protect members of the public.

For the three offences of being found drunk and ignoring a police direction he was given a conditional discharge for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £85 costs.