A MAN was yesterday barred from entering shops in a town centre for being verbally abusive.

Brian Birmingham, 23, did not oppose Stockton Borough Council's application to impose an interim anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) on him to restrict his movements.

He must not verbally abuse anyone in Stockton and must stay away from the Castlegate Centre and the shops inside, as well as those in Wellington Square.

Birmingham, of Alder Road, Stockton, could face up to five years in prison if he breaches the order, which was imposed by District Judge Martin Walker at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

He was allegedly involved in 31 incidents in which abusive language and behaviour were used towards people working in the town centre between August 15 and December 4 this year.

Stockton Borough Council's Asbo officers took action following complaints of persistent abusive and threatening behaviour by Birmingham from Stockton town centre's Crime Retail Group.

Birmingham signed an acceptable behaviour contract in November, but further complaints prompted the officers to apply for an Asbo.

Senior Asbo officer Sharon Carr said: "We are very pleased that this order has been granted.

"The people who work in and visit the town centre rightly expect to be able to go about their lawful business in peace, without having to suffer anti-social behaviour.

"This Asbo gives a clear message that we are not prepared to tolerate such behaviour and will take action against persistent offenders."

The council will be providing a copy of the conditions of the interim order and a map highlighting the exclusion zones to the witnesses in the case and to Cleveland Police.

Leaflets will also be drawn up to ensure witnesses are aware of the Asbo and what they need to do in the event of a breach.

A full hearing will be held on December 23.