A TAXI driver dubbed "an habitual sex pest" has been forbidden from transporting female passengers after admitting indecently assaulting a woman.

John Spencer, 57, was yesterday made subject of a five-year Asbo (anti-social behaviour order) by a judge at Durham Crown Court.

It prevents him from seeking any employment, either paid or voluntary, involving transporting female passengers, indulging in sexual activity with anyone without their consent, and approaching, or attempting to communicate with eight named women who have complained about his activities.

The order was imposed after he admitted indecently assaulting one of the eight women at her home in 2000, after giving her a lift in his taxi.

Ros Scott Bell, prosecuting, said the woman had not spoken about the incident at the time, but it came to light following other complaints by women, including some taxi passengers, about his "inappropriate behaviour".

Stephen Rich, mitigating, said: "He accepts his behaviour was quite unacceptable and outrageous."

Describing Spencer as "unsophisticated" in the way he related to other people, he said: "There was a tendency to indulge in the kind of badinage which is very frowned upon these days."

Mr Rich said Spencer, who was working for Stanley Taxis, County Durham, has otherwise led an industrious life.

Spencer, of Percy Avenue, Stanley, had admitted indecent assault at a previous hearing.

Judge Richard Lowden said: "The fact is, it's totally unacceptable, inappropriate sexual behaviour."

In addition to the Asbo, he imposed a three-year community rehabilitation order, including attending a sex offender programme.