A PERSISTENT offender has been banned from every pub in Widnes by a court order.

Joseph Duffy, from Upton Rocks, was handed a criminal behaviour order at Warrington Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 12.

The CBO prevents him from entering any licensed premises in the town, other than to buy alcohol in a shop or supermarket, as well as visiting Albert Road between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

Duffy, of Harebell Close, must also move away from the entrance to any pub in Widnes when asked to do so by staff, with the order lasting for the next three years.

It follows a series of alcohol-fuelled incidents in recent years, including two convictions for using threatening behaviour towards pub staff in the space of three months.

The latest altercation at the Observatory pub on Queensbury Way in November came only three days after the 25-year-old was convicted of an offence relating to an incident at the Tavern on Upton Lane in July.

Cheshire Police has asked any member of the public who believes Duffy has breached his CBO to report it by calling 101.

Sergeant Steve Owen, of the force’s problem-solving team, said: “In the aftermath of the killing of pub landlord Christian Thornton last year, we won’t tolerate threatening or violent behaviour towards those who work at pubs and we will look at all options available to us when dealing with repeat offenders.

“Joseph Duffy’s unacceptable behaviour towards pub staff escalated to him being convicted of two public order offences in less than three months.

“With repeat offenders like Duffy, there has to be a point where the police and courts say that enough is enough – which is why he has been given a CBO.

“These are preventative orders designed to stop individuals committing further offences and to protect members of the public.

“No-one should feel intimidated by the actions of other people, and we will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to make Widnes an even more pleasant place to live, work and visit.

“I hope the CBO gives Duffy the boundaries he needs to significantly improve his behaviour – I also hope it sends a strong message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in Widnes and that, working closely with our partners, we will take the necessary action against those who persistently commit public order offences in the town.”