A MAN who repeatedly sniffed gas in public has been banned from Southend High Street - and from sitting outside any business.

Tony Bull was slapped with a criminal behaviour order after failing to comply with a community protection notice in March and May last year.

The 49-year-old also admitted attacking a community safety officer from Southend Council, who had approached him as he was consuming butane gas in March.

The criminal behaviour order means Bull, of Manor Road, Westcliff, must abide by a number of conditions or could be arrested and taken to court.

He must not enter the High Street, the area between Queensway and Whitegate Road, and London Road between Queensway and High Street.

Bull is also banned from Southend Central Station and sitting outside any business premises in Southend.

He must also not have butane gas and any noxious substance with him in a public place.

The order, which was issued on Wednesday, also provides for him to receive rehabilitation.

PC Nicholas Baldwin said: “Anthony Bull has repeatedly been found in public places in Southend sniffing cans of butane gas, which has a detrimental impact on himself and the local community.

“A criminal behaviour order was the next step to help address his anti-social behaviour.

“This is an example of the action we have worked in partnership with Southend Council to deal appropriately with a small minority of people who persistently commit offences and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.”

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety at the council, said: “Our community safety officers support our colleagues at Essex Police in keeping our residents and visitors safe throughout the year.

“This incident was shocking to say the least, even more so because the officer on duty was trying to safeguard the individual, who was abusing substances which are extremely damaging to his health and wellbeing.

“I am pleased Essex Police have taken this action and goes to show the effectiveness of the community safety unit, and the strength of this partnership approach and commitment to addressing anti-social behaviour across the borough.”