A MIDDLE aged man from Hawkhurst has been banned from carrying felt tip pens or spray paint in public for three years.

David Jell, of Queens Road, is also banned from writing abusive comments, people's nicknames or contact details in a public place, and from acting anti-socially by causing harassment, alarm or distress to others.

The 49-year-old was handed the anti-social behaviour order after his conviction for criminal damage and harassment between January and September 2007.

Sevenoaks Magistrates Court heard he wrote abusive comments in public toilets about women he had taken a dislike to.

He also wrote rude words on a newspaper as he travelled on the bus and pointed them out to his victims.

There was no reason behind his choice of victim other than he saw them on a bus he frequently used or they lived or worked in the community where he lived.

If he breaks the terms he could face a fine, a prison sentence, or both.

The Asbo was made after Jell's conviction for criminal damage and harassment between January and September 2007 – for which he was given a two-year community order.

Pc Debs Rudkin said: "Without the willingness of the victims to come forward it is possible Mr Jell would not have been convicted, I am very grateful to them."

District Chief Insp Russell Nyman added: "The Asbo should ensure we do not see a repeat of this type of behaviour.

"We do take reports of this nature very seriously and we will use the law if necessary to keep the district a safe place for all.

"It is only right people should be able to live and work without fear of harassment from an individual who has decided to target them."