POLICE have taken action against a man who has been causing “habitual drunk anti-social behaviour” in Wellington.

Sgt Jon O’Connor told members of Wellington Town Council that his team had worked hard to secure a Community Protection Warning against the man in question.

“His behaviour has included running into traffic, indiscriminately shouting lewd and racist obscenities at anyone within earshot and frequently being found slumped in doorways,” he said in a report which went before councillors on July 6.

“Despite having been arrested and charged for several public order offences this year, the sentences received in court have failed to curtail his behaviour.

“Using anti-social behaviour legislation, we have secured a Community Protection Warning which now prevents the male from doing a number of things within Wellington town centre.”

The male will not be allowed to enter any premises licensed to sell alcohol; have in his possession an open container of alcohol; remain on any retail premises when asked to leave by a member of staff or police; behave in a manner that causes or is likely to cause nuisance, alarm or distress to anyone such as shouting, swearing, screaming, spitting, running in front of cars and urinating in public.

Sgt O’Connor added: “This is the first step towards a Community Behaviour Order which, if breached, can carry a significant custodial sentence.

“The first thing we will have to demonstrate to the court is that we have exhausted lower-level interventions such as a CPW in a bid to work with the individual to address their offending behaviour.

“We will be closely monitoring compliance and will deal with any breaches robustly.”

Councillors once again thanked Sgt O’Connor and his team for their efforts in trying to make Wellington a better and safer place for law-abiding people.