An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) has been imposed on a resident following a history of offensive and threatening behaviour.

John Seabrook, 56, of Campers Avenue, Letchworth was given the order after numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour in his neighbourhood and in Letchworth town centre. Magistrates at Hertford Magistrates Court took the decision to impose the ASBO on June 20 following an application by North Herts District Council (NHDC).

The court heard that 20 people had come forward to give evidence to the council including local residents, town centre workers and police officers.

The two year ASBO prohibits Mr Seabrook from using abusive, offensive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour which can be heard or seen by anyone in Campers Avenue, Letchworth, and prohibits him from consuming alcohol or being in possession of any open or opened vessel containing alcohol in a public place. The ASBO also places specific conditions on Mr Seabrook visiting Letchworth town centre.

Any breach of the ASBO could result in Mr Seabrook being fined and/or a prison sentence of up to five years.

Councillor Tricia Cowley, NHDC’s portfolio holder for community engagement, said: “Working together with the police, we have a responsibility to protect law-abiding citizens from such unacceptable behaviour.

“Our Community Safety team have contacted Mr Seabrook on numerous occasions in an attempt to stop things from escalating to this stage, but he has failed to curb his actions. Ultimately we are pleased that the court has imposed these restrictions.”

North Herts Police Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Elizabeth Fountain, said: “Members of the public and local businesses have the right to be protected from this kind of conduct in public places. Letchworth police work closely with North Herts District Council to deal robustly with individuals who act in a drunken or anti social manner.”