A MAN avoided a jail sentence for breach of an antisocial behaviour order yesterday.

John Rientoul, 51, of no fixed address, appeared before magistrates at Newton Aycliffe.

The court heard that on Sunday he became abusive towards officers who tried to wake him as he slept outside a Methodist church in Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland.

The court heard Rientoul often went to the church during the week for a free cup of tea, but on Sunday he had drunk half a bottle of vodka and was confused what day it was.

On arriving at the church and finding it locked he decided to sleep there, and when officers tried to wake him he became abusive.

Rientoul told magistrates he was on a housing association waiting list for a home.

Magistrates told him they realised the antisocial behaviour order was not working, and instead of a custodial sentence imposed a three-month conditional discharge.

The chairman of the bench said: "It is unfortunate you are still continuing to do this, albeit you just laid down and went to sleep and you're not any bother to anyone. We would love to see you settled down and get yourself sorted out. It's essential you keep on with this house search."