A DOMESTIC abuser has been handed a tough order banning him from drinking in public after admitting a series of charges at court.

Phillip Torrance, 36, was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order (CBO) after magistrates heard he had carried out a campaign of intimidation and anti-social behaviour in Gillingham.

The defendant admitted common assault, criminal damage and possessing a class A drug when he appeared at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court. The offences were committed at Paris Court in the North Dorset town on dates between December 23 and 27 2018.

Torrance was sentenced to five months in prison. However, magistrates also decided to give him a three-year CBO after hearing residents made complaints to police and their housing association about the defendant. Torrance was accused of verbal abuse and repeated anti-social behaviour.

Under the order, Torrance (pictured) must not:

  • Behave in a way that causes harassment, alarm or distress to any person in Dorset
  • Use threatening, insulting or abusive words or behaviour in any public place in Dorset
  • Enter any block at Paris Court in Gillingham
  • Be drunk in any public place in Dorset.

Sergeant James Dimmack of Dorset Police said the force “will not tolerate domestic abuse in any form”.

“Torrance’s anti-social behaviour also caused considerable distress to his neighbours and I’m pleased we’ve been able to work with the housing association and community safety team to help protect those residents from further misery at his hands,” Sgt Dimmack said.

In March, Wendy Knight, 52 and of Sheasby Close in Sixpenny Handley, was given a criminal behaviour order after admitting being in charge of a dog which worried sheep in Wimborne.

During the incident, which happened on March 12 2018, Knight allowed her German Shepherd off the lead in Knighton Lane. The dog then attacked a flock of around 200 sheep. Two suffered severe bite marks.