Southall could face jail if found in possession of alcohol

A 58-year-old man has been given an anti-social behaviour order banning him from drinking anywhere in Staffordshire for the next five years.

Michael Southall, from Maple Grove in Stafford, was found guilty of being drunk and disorderly in the town centre on 12 April, the latest in a number of convictions he has for drunken behaviour.

Under the terms of the order, it he could face imprisonment even if he is only found in possession of alcohol.

Magistrates in Stafford were told that Southall terrorised shopkeepers so much they closed early to avoid him.

'Traumatic experience'

They also heard he harassed workers at Stafford's train station while drunk and was responsible for a series of public order offences.

Simon Warlock, representing the police in the case, said: "This was a real, real traumatic experience for some retailers, so much so, they would shut up shop to avoid serving him and his abusive behaviour.

"They were often intimidated and it is not acceptable. This type of behaviour must be eradicated from society and the public of Staffordshire have a right to be protected."

The court was told Southall, who used to work as a sales manager for GEC, now Alstom, had notched up 21 similar "nuisance convictions" mostly for public disorder, sometimes in banks, bars or public places.

Southall's solicitor, Nick Ryles, told the court his client had an alcohol problem he was trying to combat and welcomed the order as a way of helping him.