Abuse menace back in court after Walsall Asbo breach

Gary William Adams from Darlaston was banned from church grounds and certain streets in Walsall under the order made by magistrates on June 12.

But he was seen by police in King Street, which was one of the areas he was told to avoid, on Wednesday and was hauled back before Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday.

The 55-year-old of Pinfold Street, Darlaston, admitted a charge of breaching an Asbo.

The hearing was told King Street was the quickest way for him to get to the post office and he did not have crutches with him to assist his walking at the time.

Miss Rachel Smith, prosecuting, said he was seen by Police Community Support Officers and appeared to be intoxicated. Adams was given an interim anti-social behaviour order in April ahead of the full order being put in force earlier this month. Miss Smith said it was the fifth time he had been in breach.

Mr Sarbjit Singh Lalli, defending, said his client was not causing any nuisance at the time.

He said: "That is the quickest route for him to go the shops. He has difficulty walking and there is no suggestion he was acting in an anti-social manner.

Adams, who appeared at the hearing in custody before being released, was given a 12 month supervision order with an alcohol treatment requirement for six months.

He did not appear at the previous court cases. At the full Asbo hearing earlier this month the court was told he disrupted services and meetings at St Matthew's Church, overlooking the town centre, and at St Jude's in Chuckery.

It was said he abused passers-by and homeowners in and around the town for the past seven years – including refusing to move from people's front doorways and driveways.

He was barred from entering the grounds and buildings of the two churches, and ordered not to be abusive to clergy and churchgoers.