A VIOLENT and drunken rough sleeper has been given an ASBO (Anti Social Behaviour Order) banning him from St Albans city centre. The district council successfully obtained the two-year order against Javed Iqbal, aged 44, off the back of a long string of p

A VIOLENT and drunken rough sleeper has been given an ASBO (Anti Social Behaviour Order) banning him from St Albans city centre.

The district council successfully obtained the two-year order against Javed Iqbal, aged 44, off the back of a long string of problems.

He is prohibited from entering St Albans city centre except to visit three services but he is required to leave immediately afterwards. In addition Iqbal is not allowed to be drunk, possess or consume alcohol in a public place anywhere in the county or to threaten violence towards anyone.

Neither is he allowed to act in a manner or use language which is threatening, abusive or racially insulting towards anybody.

If he breaches any of the conditions he will be arrested and could spend up to two years in prison.

The district council said that, along with other local organisations, they had in the past offered help to Iqbal which included the provision of housing.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, portfolio holder for community safety, said: "However his violent and drunken behaviour in public has meant that it was right to seek an ASBO to prevent him from persistently causing problems in the city centre and taking up valuable time and resources."

The district council's anti social behaviour coordinator, Neil Kieran, said: "We are very pleased with this result. Our reasons for obtaining the order were to protect not only the public but other more vulnerable rough sleepers who have experienced violence and threatening behaviour from Iqbal."

Mike Hanson, neighbourhood inspector for St Albans, added: "We are delighted with the terms of this ASBO which sends out a strong message that police and partners will deal robustly with this form of anti social behaviour."