A MAN caught acting drunk and disorderly towards a church group has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Stephen Gadd, aged 52 and of no fixed abode, was also convicted of assaulting a police officer while in custody.

He was handed a five-year order at Poole Magistrates’ Court last month after being given a 12-month conditional discharge.

The offences occurred on Sunday, May 29 last year when he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly toward a church support group helping him in Highcliffe.

Gadd was issued with the order following collaborative work involving the Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team and the support and patience of local members of the community most affected by his behaviour.

The order bans Gadd from being intoxicated in public within Dorset, from entering any disabled toilet within the county and also exposing himself in public.

He's also not allowed to enter the Borough of Christchurch.

Police Constable James Layfield, of Christchurch police, said: “Gadd has been responsible for a number of anti-social behaviour-related offences over many years, often fuelled by his consumption of alcohol. We have been working to secure this order so we can reduce the impact of his behaviour.

“I hope this order also sends a message to the local community.”