Order bans man from town centre

A 24-year-old man has been banned from Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre for two years following acts of threatening and abusive behaviour.

Sandy Mark Withington, from Cauldon Avenue, has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) stopping him from entering the town centre at night.

The order was issued by Fenton magistrates on 10 November, following an incident in October.

Mr Withington is also banned from visiting pubs in the area.

He also cannot drink alcohol in public places under the order which is effective from 1900 GMT to 0700 GMT.

'Strong message'

Inspector Jeff Moore said: "The vast majority of people who visit Newcastle town centre come to shop and enjoy the entertainment venues.

"Unfortunately, there are some people whose behaviour can cause misery to other members of the community.

"We are determined to stamp out these problems to make the town centre a safer place.

"With the granting of an Asbo on this individual, it gives out a strong message to others who behave in an anti-social way that their actions will not be tolerated."