An alcoholic who has needed medical treatment more than 250 times this year because of his drinking breached an ASBO a court handed him just one day after it was issued.

Paul Papworth was given the order, which bans him from entering Stevenage High Street and being drunk in public, for two years at Hatfield Remand Court on Saturday. The 59-year-old did not appear at the court but was arrested the following day in Hatfield for being drunk in a public place and was fined £525 on Monday.

Papworth, originally from Hoddesdon, has been arrested on numerous occasions in Stevenage and has needed medical assistance because of his drinking or mental health issues more than 250 times this year alone – the equivalent of one visit every 1.2 days.

Various organisations including Stevenage Borough Council and the Stevenage Haven, which supports homeless people, have tried to help him but, so far, he has spurned their offers. Haven director Barbara Howard said that Papworth had been referred to them by the borough council and they offered him a bed in the sanctuary in Hitchin but he failed to turn up.

She added: “We know that he has serious problems with drinking and his mental health but he has not engaged with us. The offer is still open to him and if he wants support then our team will help him in any way they can.”

A spokesman for Herts police said “It is a tragic case and a complex situation. We are still committed to finding a positive resolution for his future wellbeing and recognise his behaviour has an impact on others.”