A VIOLENT drunk has been banned from entering all licensed premises in Harlow and prohibited from drinking alcohol in public following a landmark court decision.
Wesley Jones (23), of Guilfords, was made subject to a Drinking Banning Order at a hearing at Harlow Magistrates' Court on Tuesday - the first such order ever granted in Essex and only the third in the UK.
Jones is now barred from entering 48 pubs, bars and clubs across the town and prohibited from consuming alcohol or being drunk in a public place for a total of 18 months.
The ban could be reduced by six months if he agrees to attend an optional alcohol awareness course.
Any breach of the order could result in a heavy fine or even imprisonment.
Speaking after the hearing, Sgt Lewis Basford of Harlow Neighbourhood Policing Team said the result gave a clear message that violent anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated in Harlow.
"Wesley Jones is a persistent offender who continually committed violent crime having consumed alcohol. "Alcohol fuelled offending causes misery to the general public who wish to drink moderately in our licensed premises.
"Harlow Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to take action on all anti-social behaviour including violence committed by people who have consumed too much alcohol.
"We will continue to use current and future legislation to address the issues faced within our communities."
During the last six months, Harlow police have secured a crack house closure, two Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and a number of Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts with local youths.
Superintendant Simon Williams added: "We will use every tactic available to us and partner agencies to reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities and keep safe those who wish to enjoy the night-time economy."
