TWO prolific offenders who have continually been arrested due to their drunken antisocial behaviour have been given Criminal Behaviour Orders.

Both Jonathon Cook, 33, of Hinton Crescent, Putson, Hereford and Andrew Lawrence, 41, of no fixed abode were given the police orders at Hereford Magistrates Court.

The CBOs replaced ASBOs in October and can be issued by magistrates following a conviction.

Police sergeant Duncan Reynolds said: "Their conduct when in drink is offensive and threatening to the public who frequent busy areas of the city. They have no regard to the safety and wellbeing of other members of the community."

Cook was given a two year order which will end on December 22, 2016 and bans him from having an open vessel of alcohol; drinking alcohol; being drunk; and begging in various locations in Hereford- including Hereford County Hospital, the Cathedral, Castle Green, Castle Pool (Duck Pond) and all public spaces inside the city centre.

It also bans him from acting in a manner likely to cause alarm or distress to anyone, which covers England and Wales.

Cook has numerous convictions dating back to 1996, the vast majority being minor theft, disorder and drunkenness.

The CBO was granted on the back of a charge of assault for which he was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Lawrence was given a one year CBO, which ends on December 17 of this year, following a charge of criminal damage.

He is prohibited from entering the areas of the Hereford Cathedral, The Castle Pool (Duck) Pond, Cantilupe Street and Castle Green open space and adjoining streets.

He is also banned from engaging in antisocial behaviour which could cause harassment, alarm or distress such as - but not limited to - begging, urinating in a public place, defecating in a public place or from shouting obscenities or swearing in any public place, which covers the whole of England and Wales.

Lawrence has been arrested in the region of 50 times in the last 12 months - and 30 times in the last six.

He has continually refused offers of help to deal with his drink addiction and offending.

Jim Mooney, police licensing and harm reduction coordinator, said: "The police will continue to use all powers available to tackle this type of conduct and will work with partner agencies and voluntary organisations to challenge and change individual's criminal conduct.

"The overall arching principle of the police is to protect the public from harm. The public are encouraged to report any breaches of these orders issued against Cook and Lawrence."

Lawrence breached his order on January 2 for being drunk and disorderly. The court outcome is yet to be decided.