A MAN has been banned from contact any woman who does not know via social media by a court order.

Anthony McNulty, from Runcorn, was handed a criminal behaviour order at Crewe Magistrates Court on Friday, October 16.

This order prohibits him from contacting any woman that does not know him on social media, refusing to leave any premises in Cheshire when asked to do so by staff and acting in an ‘anti-social manner’ for the next six years.

The 30-year-old has been convicted of a string of public order offences against women and is currently serving a four-month prison sentence over an incident at a gym in the town in January.

Police constable Chris Roberts said: “CBOs are preventative orders with strict restrictions that are imposed in a bid to stop persistent offenders committing further offences.

“They are applied for separately to prosecutions for criminal offences as a last resort.

“In the case of Anthony McNulty, he has committed a string of public order offences against woman.

“His offending has had a significant impact on his victims, and he has persistently shown no consideration at all for the effects his unacceptable behaviour has had on others.

“There comes a point when you have to say enough is enough and take additional action to protect members of the public.

“No-one should be subjected to such behaviour or feel threatened or intimidated by the actions of other people.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to ensure that Halton is a pleasant place to live, work and visit.

“I am delighted that the CBO application for McNulty has been approved by Crewe Magistrates Court, and I hope that it has the desired effect and deters him from committing further offences when he is released from prison.

“He has been made aware that it is a criminal offence to breach the terms of a CBO.

“The sanctions imposed for doing so can be severe, with the maximum penalty being five years in prison, and I am pleased to say that we have seen a significant reduction of offending in Cheshire from those who are subject to a CBO.”

Anyone who believes McNulty has breached the CBO is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101.

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “CBOs are one of many tools Cheshire Constabulary uses in a bid to improve our communities.

“They address persistent criminal behaviour by giving those issued with CBOs strict requirements and prohibitions which they must adhere to.

“I am pleased to hear that CBOs have been having the desired effect of reducing offending, the number of victims of crime and the demand on the police and I hope that this continues.”