A MAN who breached his Asbo more than 50 times has been imprisoned for one day.

Magistrates at Newton Aycliffe Court yesterday sentenced John Rientoul, 53, of no fixed abode, after he pleaded guilty to breaching the anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by being drunk and disorderly in public.

The court heard that police were called to Bishop Auckland bus station on Saturday evening, where Rientoul was lying on the ground.

Jonathan Bambro, prosecuting, said when police tried to move him, he refused to co-operate and began shouting and swearing at the officers and at passers-by.

Mr Bambro said: "Mr Rientoul said he had no recollection of the incident.

"He does have an alcohol problem and says he drinks when things get too much for him in his head."

Mr Bambro added that Rientoul had breached his Asbo 54 times and had also been sentenced to one day's imprisonment on December 8.

Clive Booth, in mitigation, said although his client could not recall the events, he had pleaded guilty and urged the court to treat the incident as a drunk and disorderly matter.

Mr Booth added: "This is an unfortunate predicament, he's been before the court on numerous occasions and been dealt with in a variety of different ways."

Chairman of the bench, Leslie Abbott, said Rientoul had been in custody since Saturday and sentenced him to a day's imprisonment.

He was due to be released at 4pm yesterday.