A MAN who continuously intimidated and abused members of the public has been banned from entering Burnley town centre.

Paul Ashworth, 31, damaged property and verbally abused people he came into contact with him whilst under the influence of drugs.

Since Ashworth’s reign of terror began in August 2010, police have dealt with 23 complaints about his behaviour.

On one occasion Ashworth was cautioned for stealing bedding plants from a display in St James Street, Burnley and he has also been rescued from a dual carriageway after wandering towards traffic under the influence of drugs.

In May 2010, Ashworth, of Hunslet Street, Burnley was also given a 14-day custodial sentence and order to pay £300 compensation to the North West Ambulance Service after urinating in an ambulance.

Reedley Magistrates put an end to his eight months campaign by handing him a two year Anti-Social Behaviour Order that bans him from entering the town centre completely.

Under the conditions of the order, Ashworth is prohibited from acting in an anti-social manner in the Burnley Borough Council area and from entering or being in Burnley town centre as designated on a map.

PC Adam Gordon said: “Ashworth has caused numerous problems in the town centre where he has intimidated both shop workers and members of the public.

"The ASBO will afford them much needed protection from his behaviour.”

Chris Gribben, the manager of shopping centre Charter Walk said: “It is our job to make sure that all our visitors have a safe, secure and entertaining visit every time they come.

“It is not a personal problem with Mr Ashworth but we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.”