'Don't let these two drunks buy alcohol'

Off-licences are being urged to help enforce ASBOs which ban two drunks from boozing on the streets of Cambridge.

Troublesome drunk Paul Longhurst, of Victoria Road, Cambridge, was this week handed a two-year Anti Social Behaviour Order barring him from being drunk in public in the city.

The banning order follows the 58-year-old's conviction for five offences of being drunk and disorderly and drunk in a public place. He was also fined £10 for each offence.

Cambridge magistrates also handed Brian Cook, 43, of Cameron Road, Cambridge an ASBO, barring him from entering premises which sell alcohol or having alcohol in public in the city for the next two years.

Sgt Kay Stevens, who is based in the city, said: "Paul Longhurst was before the court for a number of drink-related offences that had been committed in a variety of public places across the city.

"When drunk, he is aggressive and verbally abusive, which causes distress to members of the public who, by simply passing by, are unavoidably affected by his anti-social behaviour.

"Paul will be recognised by Cambridge residents for his on-street drinking around Newmarket Road, Mill Road and the city centre. He has been in Cambridge for a number of years and several agencies provide him with professional support to help him stop drinking and reform his behaviour.

"This work will continue as the aim of the ASBO is to stop the problem behaviour, rather than to punish the offender."

He said Brian Cook's ASBO was similar.

"To help both Paul and Brian comply with the order, we would urge licensees and off-licence stores not to sell them alcohol."

CEN