A MAN with an "appalling" criminal record has been jailed for 12 weeks after being spotted by police with an open can of booze in Chester city centre.

Karl Dawe, who has 54 previous convictions for 94 offences, was seen by police with the can walking along Northgate Street on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 17.

Appearing from custody at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 18, 34-year-old homeless man Dawe was jailed after the court heard it was his eighth breach of his five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO), which prevents him from drinking alcohol in public.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds said police were on patrol when the saw Dawe, made checks on him and saw he was subject to the CBO imposed in 2015.

His most recent offence was for a racially aggravated public order crime and resisting a PCSO, for which he received 20 weeks in prison.

Defending, Andy Hutchinson said it was an early guilty plea and Dawe had only been walking through the town centre with an open alcohol can, and there was no foul language when he was arrested.

Mr Hutchinson said that unfortunately, due to Dawe's previous behaviour at hostels in Rhyl and Llandudno, those hostels would not accommodate him any more.

A community order would not be suitable, Mr Hutchinson said, as it would just be set up to fail, because Dawe was homeless and alcohol-dependent.

A probation report heard Dawe had attended seven out of nine appointments since his last release from prison and an officer had suggested a full detox was required, but Dawe had not complied with this.

Chair of magistrates Fraser Geekie told Dawe: "You know the terms of your oder and you deliberately broke it, and it's not the first time.

"You refused to engage, your record is appalling. Custody is inevitable."

As well as the 12-week jail term, Dawe must pay a £122 victim surcharge.

As he was being led to the cells, Mr Geekie added: "Go with the officers and have a serious think about your behaviour."