ASBO man jailed for abusive behaviour (From York Press)

Desmond Wassell jailed for abusive behaviour towards medical staff

9:53am Friday 11th January 2013 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

AN aggressive drinker who has persistently been in trouble with York police has been jailed for six weeks after he swore at medical staff in front of patients.

Desmond Ambrose Wassell’s behaviour has caused so many problems in York that magistrates made an ASBO in November 2011, banning him from behaving badly towards anyone inside the York Outer Ring Road.

But last Friday morning, he demanded to see a doctor at Jorvik Medical Centre and objected when he was told to come back later that day.

Wassell, 38, of no fixed address, admitted breaching the ASBO and was jailed for 42 days. He has breached the order before.

The court was told he swore at staff in the reception area and made such a nuisance of himself police were called and arrested him.

His solicitor, Richard Minion, told York magistrates Wassell had gone to the surgery because he was scared he was about to have a fit.

Wassell had had three fits in December, related to his drinking, and on each occasion was admitted to hospital.

Mr Minion said: “He said he was terrified.”

Mr Minion said there were patients in the waiting area beside the reception area at the time of Wassell’s visit, and they heard the exchanges.

Wassell was arrested last Friday and held in custody until the magistrates’ court opened on Monday.

While in their cells, police arranged for him to be taken three times to hospital, said Mr Minion. They had concerns about his blood pressure and on one occasion he was vomiting.

Wassell had a major alcohol problem and a personality disorder.

Mr Minionsaid: “When he drinks heavily, he doesn’t really know what he is doing, but he was trying, with help, to tackle his drinking.

Wassell is repeatedly in trouble with police and has been arrested more than 80 times.

The ASBO was made after magistrates heard that Wassell was aggressive to passers-by who declined to give him money when he was begging.