A WOMAN has escaped a five-year prison sentence after breaching her anti-social behaviour order for the 20th time.

Jacqueline Harrison appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday after admitting the breach by being drunk and abusive in a public place.

The order imposed on the 43-year-old, of Gresham Road in Dines Green, Worcester, in March 2004, prohibits her from being drunk in public, behaving in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, using foul and abusive language or threatening behaviour or consuming alcohol in Worcester.

Gemma Goode, prosecuting, said on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 13, police were called to the Maggs Day Centre in Deansway, Worcester, where Harrison was drunk, swearing and waving her arms at Samuel Wilson, who is also the subject of an Asbo.

"She continued to be verbally abusive, using foul and insulting language," she said. "She was displaying significant signs of violence."

Nick Roberts, defending, said Harrison had appeared at court with "stunning regularity" since the order was made and said he did not think Asbos were designed for the "town drunk".

"She continues to have the revolving door of custody," he said. "This offence stems from a very difficult upbringing and difficult relationship choices. This lady has had a dramatic upbringing, with a killing in the family.

"I have dealt with her for many years and she's resembled on many occasions something akin to a punch-bag."

Mr Roberts said Harrison had lived on the streets and finally had stability in her life after finding accommodation, which she would lose if she went to prison.

He said Harrison was angry at Mr Wilson, not the police officers, and urged magistrates to help her rather than putting her in custody.

She was given a 12-month community order, with a supervision requirement and help from the community alcohol team and ordered to pay £60 court costs.