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A MAN branded "a very serious nuisance" by police has avoided going to prison after a court heard of his attempts to kick his drug and alcohol habits.

Clifford Henley, 40, of no fixed abode, admitted breaching an antisocial behaviour order, imposed in November 2004, following a spate of incidents in Southbourne.

The case was taken to court by Bournemouth Borough Council, with the backing of local police, after the Crown Prosecution Service refused to prosecute.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Henley had been spotted stealing cheese from the Co-op store in Tuckton Road on March 10 last year.

When the manager challenged him, he became abusive. She followed him into the car park and started taking down his registration number.

Henley laughed and said: "That won't get you anywhere," before driving off. He was arrested two days later and, despite being shown incriminating CCTV footage, denied being in the store.

The court heard how Henley had 39 convictions, including two other offences of breaching an Asbo.

Defending, Robert Grey said: "Since the offence a lot of progress has been made. Mr Henley was in the grip of heroin for a long time but has been off the drug for nearly 12 months. He developed drink problems but has now taken steps to reduce his alcohol consumption."

Imposing a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and an 18 month community order, Judge Roger Jarvis told Henley: "It is plain you are a man trying to shed a number of earlier addictions.

"Those monitoring your progress are satisfied you are making real efforts. It is plain, from time to time, you have an intimidating manner. This incident has all the characteristics of someone who is a bully."

1:00pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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