Under the terms of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo), Graham McCarthy, 23, was also banned from Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex.

Barking magistrates imposed the order on 3 November, a police spokesman said.

The Asbo also forbids McCarthy, of Dagenham, east London, from entering several other named shopping areas and stores.

Some 786 Asbos were issued in England and Wales from October to December 2004, up 116% on that quarter of 2003.

In June, Home Office minister Hazel Blears defended a rise in the use of Asbos, saying they made a "real difference" to people's lives.

But shadow home secretary David Davis said Asbos were like "sticking plaster over an amputation", while other critics said half had been breached.