Two-year Asbo for drunk

AN ALCOHOLIC has been given a two-year Asbo by North Lincolnshire magistrates.

Town drunk Paul Hodges admitted a drunk and disorderly charge and he further admitted breaching a conditional discharge.

Hodges, 46, of Sutton House, Scunthorpe, was told by magistrate Richard Altoft: "You have an appalling record – 30 or more offences of being drunk and disorderly."

Hodges was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was told the Asbo would remain in force for a period of two years.

The order specifically prohibits him from causing harassment, alarm or distress to anyone not in the same household as himself anywhere in North Lincolnshire.

Outlining his latest offence, prosecutor Debbie Sanders said: "On June 20, police attended the High Street in Scunthorpe, Hodges had contacted the police.

"He was very much in drink and he was shouting at members of the public."

He was taken to Scunthorpe General Hospital and he was left there by officers, the court heard.

But police were asked to return by hospital staff. "He was shouting towards patients – he was causing them distress," she said.

David Rix, for Hodges, said his client had been 'fighting the demons of alcohol' for a number of years.

And, he said, giving him an Asbo would likely result in him constantly being back in the court dock.

Mr Rix said: "He is not a serious menace. But he needs some help with his drinking.

"It is a very sad state of affairs. As long as Hodges can stay away from the curse of cider, he will be fine."

He added: "He is a lovely chap – he just drinks."