A "NUISANCE" beggar has been jailed after breaching a court order to stay sober on Worcester's streets.

Anthony Wynne was warned in June that if he was caught drunk in a public place in the next three years, he would be hauled back before magistrates.

At that time he admitted being drunk and disorderly and was given an anti-social behaviour order imposed to stop him "alarming and distressing" shopkeepers and passers-by.

But two months later, the 37-year-old, known as Sid, was found staggering around in Angel Place with a full bottle of wine in his pocket.

Wynne, of Linden Road, Tolladine, admitted breaching the order on August 24, and appeared at Droitwich yesterday to be sentenced.

The charge is one of a string of convictions relating to drunken behaviour, including indecent assault in 1999, when he fondled a woman's breast after her friends refused to give him money.

In June, magistrates were told he was not a violent man, but his behaviour was alarming because he touched passers-by while under the influence of drink.

Charles Hamer, defending yesterday, urged deputy district judge Ian Strongman to bear in mind his client had not touched a drop of drink for eight weeks.

"He admitted breaching the order back in August and since then has been completely sober," he said.

"Even his mum and dad, who have suffered through their compassion, have given him a key to their house for the first time in 15 years.

"It's something he takes great pride in."

Mr Strongman listened to the evidence but concluded Wynne had been a "thorough nuisance on the streets" and should serve 28 days in prison.

"This was a flagrant breach of the order within a space of two months," he said.