A PROLIFIC offender who was living in a probation hostel has been locked up after a judge expressed concerns over public protection.

William Carter, of Walter Nash Road, Birchen Coppice, Kidderminster, who cannot hear or speak, had been due for sentence at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday last week but a sign language interpreter did not arrive.

Judge Andrew Geddes, who adjourned the case, remanded 30-year-old Carter in custody because of fears he might re-offend.

He had previously been on bail at the Braley House hostel, Worcester while the probation service tried to draw up a long-term plan for his future.

Carter, who had a record of 172 previous crimes, was subjected to a nightly curfew and banned from licensed premises and entering the shopping area of his home town.

He is due for sentence for breaching anti-social behaviour orders, which he has admitted.

On one occasion, he terrified the owner of Pisces Hair Design Studio in The Horsefair, Kidderminster, by punching the window and feigning collapse. He ran away before emergency services arrived.

At another time, he was found with an unprotected hypodermic syringe on a stairway in Witley Close, Kidderminster. He had breached anti-social behaviour orders on 12 occasions.

His other offences include driving while disqualified, robbery, handling stolen goods and threatening behaviour.

Judge Geddes has asked for a probation report with suggestions how he can be rehabilitated in the community.