A MAN caught in breach of his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) for the fifth time has been jailed.

David Harland, 35, was sentenced to seven days in prison after entering an exclusion zone covered by the order.

Guisborough magistrates heard Harland, of High Street, Redcar, was made subject of an Asbo on September 12 last year after a string of thefts.

Under the order, he must not enter a zone which covers parts of Lord Street, The Esplanade and West Dyke Road, in Redcar.

Sharon Elves, prosecuting, told the court Harland's first breach took place the day after the Asbo was imposed.

Further breaches took place on September 30, November 22, March 6 and March 21. In the latest breach, Harland was seen this week walking along The Esplanade and West Dyke Road.

John Nixon, mitigating, asked the bench to discharge the order. He said: "The order that was made was unfounded, in the sense that David Harland had repeatedly committed offences of theft by visiting retail premises but above that he has not behaved in any other way that involved anti-social behaviour.

"Recently, the authorities have suggested where the breach itself does not involve anti-social behaviour, the apparent way forward is to impose a community sentence.

"One of the problems with this order is it has prevented him accessing fast-food outlets and other shops."

Ms Elves said the latest breach had taken place on the day Harland was released from prison, to which Mr Nixon added: "This cycle for being in prison for non anti-social behaviour has got to be broken."

But magistrates decided against revoking the order and Harland was sentenced to seven days in custody.