Ten year pub ban for violent thug

Licensees have welcomed a court's decision to ban a violent thug from pubs in Chesire for 10 years.

Chester magistrates slapped the landmark Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on Dennis Elliot Fontent earlier this month after he repeatedly attacked door staff and members of the public.

The 34-year-old is now barred from all pubs, restaurants and other on-licensed premises in the county. He is also banned from entering a specified area of Chester between 6.30pm and 7am.

Licensees in Chester city centre welcomed the decision but said they had not previously been warned about Fontent.

Sarah Broadbend, licensee of the Custom House Inn, said: "I only know what I've seen in the paper. We should know from the police that he shouldn't be in here."

Shropshire Arms' licensee Tom Hughes, added. "I wouldn't know who the guy was. No idea at all."

However licensees were quick to back the 10-year ban, which police described as 'unprecedented'.

"It makes our job a bit easier if everybody is going to think 'Oh my god, we're going to get banned for so many years if we do this'," said Sarah.

Mike Mercer, licensee of the Albion Inn, said: "It's a step up for Chester. I've been licensee of this pub for 37 years and I've always had to sort trouble out myself. Giving out ASBOs is a great help."

If Fontent, from Gladstone Court, Hawarden, breaches the ban he is likely to face prison.

Inspector Mel Williams from Cheshire Constabulary said: "Fontenot has made life miserable for bar staff and customers

"This unprecedented ASBO restricts his movements and behaviour and gives increased reassurance to those who work at licensed premises across the county."