ONE of Dorset's most persistent offenders has notched up his 135th court conviction.

Mark Bown, described as Christchurch's most anti-social resident, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for breaching an Antisocial Behaviour Order (Asbo) for the fourth time.

The 40-year-old, of Rutland Road, Christchurch, has amassed the string of convictions during 49 court appearances over many years, the court heard.

When he was first made the subject of an Asbo in October 2003, police distributed leaflets bearing his picture to every house in the borough asking locals to report any problem behaviour.

At the time, Bown was said to be known in Christchurch for drug possession, criminal damage, street drinking, abusive behaviour and intimidation.

Judge Samuel Wiggs heard that on the latest occasion Bown, who lives with his elderly mother, was seen drinking alcohol at Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth on May 27 this year.

He is forbidden from drinking alcohol or using drugs in a public street or open place as part of the Asbo.

Defending, Brian Sharman urged the judge to allow Bown to go home and look after his mother. "He has always looked after her - he has not been a bad son," he added.

Bown was sentenced to two months in jail, a term already served since his arrest in May.

Sentencing, Judge Wiggs said: "You know very well you have got to keep to this order and if you do not you will find yourself locked up yet again."

First published: August 23