A MAN who threatened to punch police officers has been banned from drinking alcohol in public for three years.

Michael Cox, 40, of Colebrooke Row, Islington, has been made the subject of a three year anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) after pleading guilty to threatening two police officers and being verbally abusive in Duncan Street, Islington, on December 30.

The ban was granted at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court in April (7) on behalf of Islington Council and Islington police.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Usher said: “Islington police does not tolerate alcohol related disorder in our communities and we will seek to ban anyone who persistently abuses alcohol from drinking in pubs or in public.

“Our officers are committed to working with partners to take a long-term view of tackling disorder in the borough and ASBOs help us to do this.

“We will continue to take action against the minority of persistent offenders who cause a disproportionate amount of crime, disorder and fear to anyone who works, lives, or visits Islington.”

Councillor Barbara Sidnell, executive member for community safety, Islington Council said: “Residents are sick and tired of alcohol related nuisance and anti-social behaviour on their estates and in their streets.

“This case shows how the council and police are standing shoulder to shoulder to crack down on those whose drinking threatens the safety of Islington residents or officers carrying out their day-to-day duties. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and the authorities will use their powers to protect the community.”

In addition to the ASBO, the court sentenced Cox to a 12 month community order, a nine month supervision order and six months alcohol treatment.