A NOTORIOUS street drinker is thought to have become the first person in the UK to be banned from stripping in public.

Police became so concerned about Karen Bulmer's drunken antics that they applied for a banning order to try to curb her behaviour in York.

The 37-year-old has twice been declared an habitual drunk by magistrates.

Senior officers have now said that "enough is enough". They successfully applied for a Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Order (CRASBO) with a list of restrictions.

But the Evening Press can reveal that Ms Bulmer allegedly breached the ban within 48 hours by drinking in public, and is now in custody awaiting sentence for that and other offences.

One constable who has dealt with the Cemetery Road resident on several occasions said: "She has a habit of stripping off in the back of police vans - it puts us in a very difficult position."

Alcohol advice workers said the legal order threw the spotlight on a "flood" of problem drinkers in York, who were stretching support resources to the limit.

The ban, normally used to restrain nuisance neighbours and antisocial youths, has been specially tailored to Ms Bulmer's chaotic and booze-fuelled lifestyle.

She could now face a prison sentence if she is caught exposing herself, performing lewd sexual acts or urinating in any public place or in the presence of a police officer or council employee.

The street drinker has also been banned for two years from purchasing alcohol in any pubs or bars in the city and from having any open alcoholic drinks in public.

She is also living under threat of eviction from her temporary council flat after complaints from staff that she had repeatedly soiled the property and blocked the toilets, police said.

PC Alison Newbould, York's ASBO co-ordinator, said restaurateurs and publicans had called on the police to act because Ms Bulmer often offended customers and visitors.

She said: "This woman refuses to help herself. This order will help us address these issues because she will not do it voluntarily."

Alison Tubbs, of York Alcohol Advice Service, welcomed the tough move and said forcing problem drinkers to get help through the legal system did work.

She said: "The criminal justice route is often the best way to get people to come to our door so that we can help them."

Jeremy Jones, of York Arclight Project, a charity that runs a "wet house" for street drinkers, said help was available for people with long-term alcohol-related issues.

Ms Bulmer is due in court in early January to be dealt with for a charge of drunk and disorderly and the alleged breach of the CRASBO. She was not represented by a solicitor at her last court appearance.

Updated: 10:17 Monday, December 20, 2004