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A man who broke his pubwatch banning order more than 40 times has been handed the country's first Drinking Banning Order by magistrates.

The order bans Ryan Kane of West Bar Street, in Banbury, Oxfordshire, from going into pubs or clubs or buying alcohol from any licensed venue for two years. This is the maximum penalty under the new power.

 Banbury Magistrates heard that Kane, 24, had already been banned from entering pubwatch premises for more than three years for intimidating and harassing customers.

Drinking Banning Orders, which came into for on 31 August, can last between two months and two years. Breaches can mean fines of up to £2,500.

Kane can ask the court to have his order reduced if he completes a Home Office approved course on dealing with alcohol-related issues.

National pubwatch chairman Steve Baker said: "We are pleased that the police have responded and dealt positively with a serial offender.

"This case was brought by the police because they were aware of his continuing anti-social behaviour despite the best efforts of the local pubwatch scheme to prevent him gaining access to licensed premises."

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "I am delighted to see local authorities making full use of the tools and powers we have provided."