AN anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) made to protect the people of Longridge was breached by Nathan Redmond - within six months of him being released from prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard Redmond was banned from entering certain parts of the town and from carrying articles that might be used to break into cars.

But on Sunday night he was arrested within the exclusion zone carrying a car CD player and 10 CDs he had stolen from a car in Darwen Close.

He was also found to be in possession of a screwdriver and a pair of pliers.

Redmond, 30, who lived in Longridge but now resides in Rowan Avenue, Preston, pleaded guilty to theft and breach of the ASBO. He was jailed for three months by District Judge Paul Firth who made the ASBO in May to specifically protect Longridge resident who expected to be able to park their cars safely overnight.

Charlotte Crane, prosecuting, said the ASBO had been imposed because of a lengthy history of interfering with cars and driving while disqualified.

On Sunday night, a resident in Darwen Close looked out of her window to see Redmond peering into a neighbour's car. She called the police and they arrested Redmond as he walked away from the scene with his haul.

When interviewed, Redmond said he had little recollection of the incident because he was under the influence of Valium and alcohol.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said it was the first offence since the order and, while not significant for most people, it represented a major achievement for his client.

"Since his release from prison in August he has done all he can to keep out of trouble," said Mr Taylor. "He is realistic about the position he has put himself in and, if a prison sentence is inevitable, he would ask that it is imposed today rather that adjourning for reports."

Mr Firth said the six months Redmond had been out of trouble represented "an awful long time" for someone with his background.

"At first I was looking at a six month sentence but in view of that and your timely guilty pleas I will reduce that to three months," said Mr Firth.