A MAN deemed an anti-social nuisance is due for release after spending almost four months in prison for drinking a can of lager.

John Newman, 37, was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol when caught on security cameras drinking from the can while sitting on a bench at Durham City Bus Station.

Newman, who regularly appears drunk in Durham city centre, was among the first people to be made subject of anti-social behaviour order in the North-East more than two years ago, following the introduction of the sanction by former Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Under the terms of the order, introduced by Durham magistrates, Newman can be arrested for being intoxicated in the city centre, or if he abuses the 999 system, specifically the ambulance service, when not in genuine need of medical assistance.

He has subsequently breached the order six times, receiving steadily longer sentences until the bus station arrest, shortly after his release from prison for a previous breach, in June.

Newman appeared at Durham Crown Court for sentence yesterday, having been on remand in prison since the arrest in June.

Judge Bryant said he has now spent more than three-and-a-half-months on remand for effectively drinking a can of lager.

He imposed a 224-day sentence, which means he should be released almost immediately on licence.

But the judge urged Newman, formerly of New Brancepeth, near Durham, to seek assistance from the probation service on release.