Fine for Norwich ASBO drunk

An alcoholic who was banned him from drinking in Norwich city centre because he was intimidating shoppers has been fined after he breached his anti social behaviour order.

Norwich Magistrates' Court heard that David Dignam, 47, was given the ASBO four months ago, after he threatened members of the public while he was drunk in Upper Goat Lane.

But one afternoon earlier this month he was found drunk again in nearby Pottergate, and he admitted breaching the order.

Prosecuting, Lisa Britton said: 'On November 18 last year Dignam was fined for the offence of using threatening behaviour while drunk in a public place and was made subject of an ASBO for two years.

'The terms were that he was prohibited from having alcohol or being drunk in a public place in Norwich city centre.

'Dignam had been identified as a street drinker in the city centre and had intimidated members of the public whilst drunk.

'At about 2.50pm on February 4 two PCSOs were in Upper Goat Lane when they saw Dignam, who was stumbling and clearly drunk, with a friend.

'He was losing his balance. They followed him to Pottergate towards the Job Centre, where he slumped to the floor and called one of the officers Hitler.'

In mitigation, Elizabeth Blenkinsop said Dignam, of Sleaford Green, New Catton, Norwich, had not intended to breach the order and had been making a concerted effort to stick to it.

She said: 'He's an alcoholic and has been drinking at home. He apologises profusely for breaching the order.'

Malcolm Bird, chairman of the bench, said: 'Breaching this order is a serious offence. It was originally made to stop you being drunk in a public place and offending members of the public. You must plan ahead, so that if you are drinking at home, you don't go out into a public place.'

Dignam was fined �40 plus a �15 victim surcharge and ordered to pay �20 costs.