AN elderly man has been banned from Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge for two years.

A court heard that Peter Watts, 70, had over several months:

defecated on graves and in the street;

assaulted members of the public;

been threatening, abusive and insulting;

shouted and sworn throughout the night;

tried door handles of people’s homes at night;

entered and refused to leave business premises.

Taunton County Court has now granted an injunction against him, forbidding him entering the two locations until June 18, 2022.

It prohibits Watts from from causing “nuisance, annoyance, alarm or distress, by words or actions to any members of the public” - the order includes, but is not limited to, shouting, swearing or spitting.

He will be arrested if he breaches the order.

Police say Watts has previously been offered support with accommodation and the court has now ordered him to make contact with a council housing officer.

Police anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Cerwyn Pritchard said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who made statements outlining the impact of Mr Watts’ behaviour on their lives and businesses. Their support was central to the success of this application.”