Alcohol ban man jailed for breach

A man banned from drinking alcohol has been jailed for eight months for breaching his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

Mark Whittaker, 47, from Cheltenham, was given the Asbo in 2002, which also banned him from abusive behaviour.

He was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday after admitting threatening hospital staff in December.

However, because of time spent in custody while on remand, Whittaker walked free from court.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: "Your Asbo was designed to prevent you drinking but also to stop you abusing people in authority.

"If you do it again you will be in prison for a long time."

David Maunder, defending, said Whittaker was exploring the possibility of part-time work.