MAGISTRATES failed to ban a man from every medical practice in Hyndburn after hearing it could infringe his human rights.

Razwan Sarwar, 24, of Willows Lane, Accrington, was told he had one last chance to improve his behaviour after intimidating medical staff.

An application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order order was brought by Hyndburn Council, Accrington Police and East Lancashire Health Authority.

The joint bid for the order was in response to a series of incidents where Sarwar had intimidated and threatened medical staff at GP surgeries, medical centres and pharmacies across the borough, magistrates at Accrington were told.

The health authority had asked for an agreement it had drawn up with Sarwar, which would have restricted him to seeking medical help from Accrington Victoria Hospital only and banned him from all primary care facilities in Hyndburn, be included in the ASBO order.

Had it been included, Sarwar would have risked up to five years in jail for breaching the terms of the conditions. But magistrates opted not to include the agreement in the terms of the ASBO, fearing other clauses in the agreement - such as insisting he take medication - could infringe human rights.

Defence solicitor Duncan Nightingale had questioned whether the court really wanted to impose an order which could have effectively meant a man could be jailed for refusing to take medication. However, magistrates did keep in one clause of the Health Authority agreement - that he must not intimidate any member of medical staff anywhere in the borough.

A bid by Accrington Police to include causing fear, alarm or distress to people in Hyndburn within the ASBO failed after magistrates decided Sarwar's history of abuse towards people had involved mainly medical staff. Under the terms of the ASBO, Sarwar is banned from entering any premises from which he is barred by the owners.

Six GP surgeries have been put on the list, with others being invited to join as well if Sarwar causes a nuisance there as well.

The ASBO will last for five years - the longest ever issued in Hyndburn.

Insp Dale Allen, of Accrington Police, said: "While we are pleased this ASBO has been granted, we are disappointed it only protects a small group of people."