FOUR years ago, Richard Stewart Hurst was banned for the rest of his life from every shop in York that sold alcohol.

But now, after York Crown Court heard of his good behaviour since the order was made, he can again walk into his local supermarket or off-licence and buy drink.

The then Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman, made a criminal antisocial behaviour order against Hurst, then a 21-year-old lager lout, after he heard how drink had led to him kicking a shop assistant in the head, forcing a driver out of his car and other crimes.

The order barred him from all licensed premises within the outer ring road in a bid to cut him off from alcohol and thereby prevent him committing crimes.

Hurst, now 25, who at the time of the ban was living in Ratcliffe Street, Clifton, was also jailed at the same hearing for four years for causing actual bodily harm to a man.

When Hurst returned to York Crown Court, the current Recorder of York, Judge Stephen Ashurst, at his request, lifted the order completely. He heard details about Hurst’s behaviour since his release part-way through the prison sentence and decided that the order was no longer necessary.

The police and local authorities can apply for the order to be reimposed, should they believe it necessary. A new order could be made as part of a criminal case, if Hurst commits more crimes, or in a civil hearing, if a local authority can convince a court that his behaviour merits it.