A MAN has been banned from Wantage, Grove and Ardington as part of a police order.

Thomas Skelton, of no fixed abode, is not allowed to enter the three parishes for five years after repeated criminal behaviour which caused 'significant distress' to its communities.

The 29-year-old was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, December 6.

The order also bans Skelton from being drunk in any public place and making contact with specific persons named in the order.

Breach of any of these conditions could result in a fine or imprisonment.

Among his crimes, he admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in June, and on the same day he 'silfully obstructed' a police officer who tried to stop him.

Sergeant Lewis Boyce, based at Abingdon police station, said: "The CBO was sought by the South and Vale LPA Problem Solving Team as a result of Thomas Skelton persistently acting in an anti-social manner and committing criminal offences that caused significant distress to the wider communities of Wantage, Grove and Ardington.

"This order reflects that Thames Valley Police will robustly tackle persistent offenders who cause significant distress and harassment to the community.

"We hope it serves as a reminder that if people decide to embark on causing anti-social behaviour to a community, the police will utilise the relevant legislation available to stop such behaviour."