JUST four days after Richard Branch s picture appeared in the Wisbech Standard, as the public was asked to tip off police if he breached his ASBO, Branch was back in court. Forty-one-year-old Branch appeared in custody at Wisbech courthouse today accused

JUST four days after Richard Branch's picture appeared in the Wisbech Standard, as the public was asked to tip off police if he breached his ASBO, Branch was back in court.

Forty-one-year-old Branch appeared in custody at Wisbech courthouse today accused of breaching his anti social behaviour order on April 3 - just 24 hours after he was given publicity.

It is alleged he banged on the door of a local residence, and asked if he could sleep at the property, in a shed or outhouse. The householder recognised him from recent publicity, and he was later arrested.

The court heard that earlier that day, Branch had been given bail on condition that he slept at the Swan pub in Parson Drove - but the hostelry did not provide accommodation.

Homeless Branch is also accused of assaulting a woman on March 31, causing her actual bodily harm.

No pleas were taken by Branch before his case was adjourned for seven days by Fenland magistrates, and he was remanded in custody.

Under the terms of Branch's ASBO, he is banned from Wisbech town centre until 2014; except for a recent variation that allows him to wait in a bus shelter at Horsefair Bus Station.

In last week's edition of the Wisbech Standard, police announced that mugshots of Wisbech's worst trouble makers are to be displayed in pubs for all to see.

Landlords will be given full details about people subject to an ASBO, or Drinking Banning Order. Pictures will be displayed prominently for staff and customers to peruse.

Neighbourhood police sergeant Dave Bax said the community's help is needed to ensure that rowdy drunks stick to the law.

"Publicity of the orders is part of the enforcement regime," he said. "It is not about naming and shaming people with ASBOs or DBOs, but it does make people aware of who is out there."

Branch was remanded in custody for seven days.

Caption

Richard Branch accused of ASBO breach