A 23-YEAR-OLD man with a "terrible reputation" for violence has been banned from every pub and club in the Ribble Valley.

Blackburn magistrates heard that people were too scared to give evidence against Paul Hayhurst because they feared reprisals.

The court was told that drink played a key role in his behaviour, which included assaults, robbery, theft, damage and public order offences.

Speaking after the Anti Social Behaviour Order was made, Inspector Bob Ford said the police were trying to be innovative in the use of ASBOs to target specific types of offending.

"This order is a long-term measure against someone who has been repeatedly arrested and dealt with for violence and drink-related offences," said Insp Ford. "The community needs protection from people like Hayhurst. We will put a lot of effort into enforcing the prohibitions and look for community support in doing so."

The ASBO runs for three years and prohibits Hayhurst from:

Causing alarm, harassment or distress

Entering any premises from which he has been excluded by the owner, providing he has been given notice in writing

Remaining in any premises after being asked to leave

Consuming any intoxicant in public in the Ribble Valley

Entering any pubs, including the gardens, forecourt, car parks, registered club, or other licensed premises in the Ribble Valley

Enticing or encouraging others to cause alarm, harassment or distress

Being in the prohibited street drinking area of Longridge on Friday and Saturday nights between 9pm and 7am.

The ASBO was authorised by District Judge Peter Ward after Hayhurst, of Whittingham Road, Longridge, had pleaded guilty to an offence of criminal damage. He had knocked a payphone off the wall of the Dog Inn, Longridge, after being challenged by the landlord, who said he was banned under the local pub watch scheme.

Hayhurst pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was fined £100 with £100 compensation and £50 costs.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said his client was well known in the Longridge area and his reputation followed him around.

He said eight weeks earlier Hayhurst's partner had given birth to their child, they were living together and he had obtained a job.

"He says it is all part of the long overdue process of growing up," said Mr Blacklidge. "The ASBO will be a significant reminder for him of the standards that are expected."