A CRIMINAL with a history of drug abuse will spend Christmas behind bars after breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order less than a month after it was imposed.

Wesley Keirle, 35, caused a scene after security staff asked him to leave a store, then threatened a PCSO outside and caused traffic to swerve by standing in the middle of the road, according to police.

A force spokesman said: “He entered Debenhams in North Street, Taunton, and started to spray fragrances.

“When he was asked to leave by security staff he became abusive and aggressive, swearing at staff and squaring up to them.

“He then left the store, when he was approached by a PCSO, and again became threatening and abusive.

“Keirle then stood in the middle of the road, causing traffic to take avoiding action before he was removed.

“He was removed for breach of his ASBO and became increasingly aggressive towards police officers.”

Keirle’s ASBO, imposed at Taunton Deane Magistrates’ Court on October 23, banned him from having alcohol in public in the centre of Taunton, barred him from causing harassment, alarm or distress to the public, and ordered him to leave retail premises in the town if asked to do so by staff.

But Keirle was back before magistrates, who sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison.

PC Ian Dyer said: “I’m really pleased with this outcome as it will protect shoppers in Taunton town centre from his behaviour in the run-up to Christmas, and a sentence like this will send a message out to others who engage in anti-social behaviour that your behaviour will not be tolerated, and if you persist then firm action will be taken against you.”