A THUG has been warned he could face jail if he breaks the conditions of an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO).

Bradley Bell, 38, of Arran Place, off Dodsworth Avenue, York, was made the subject of an ASBO following a conviction for theft.

York Magistrates’ Court was told that Bell had a long history of violent, threatening and antisocial behaviour, some of which amounted to convictions and some of which did not.

The order that magistrates imposed on him will last for two years and ban Bell “from acting in a manner or encouraging others to act in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress within the York City Government Area”.

Amy Fenwick, antisocial behaviour co-ordinator for Safer York Partnership, said: “Antisocial behaviour orders are an important tool in tackling antisocial behaviour and are designed to protect the public from unacceptable and intimidating behaviour. “The success of this case has shown that the courts do listen to agencies working to reduce crime and disorder, as well as taking into account the needs and concerns of local residents. It sends out a strong message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in York.”

Bell, who has previous convictions, received the ASBO after stealing a woman’s purse.

Magistrates were told that he stole the purse from a shopper at Boots, in Coney Street, York, on December 12.

For that he was given a 12-month community order, will be supervised by the Probation Service for 12 months and must pay the woman £90 compensation. There was no order for court costs.

Bell has previously been in court for an offence of grievous bodily harm committed in June 2003 while on bail when a man suffered a broken skull and cheekbone after being kicked while on the ground and then stamped on.

When he appeared at York Crown Court to answer charges for that offence in June 2003, Bell escaped from the dock, but was tackled just outside the court.

He was eventually jailed for 39 months.