A 67-year-old man made his fifth appearance in court in the last six working days.

Blackburn magistrates heard on the day Stuart Halsall didn’t appear in court he was in the cells at Blackburn police station.

And the court was told that while his offending was low level it represented a nuisance to town centre traders trying to make a living and shoppers who were upset by his behaviour.

“In addition valuable police time is being spent taking him off the street,” said Catherine Allan, prosecuting. “On this occasion he was in the Buffet City restaurant causing a disturbance.”

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Halsall was not classified as being mentally ill but had severe personality disorder which was made worse by alcohol.

“The problem is how we break the cycle,” said Mr Taylor.

Halsall, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour and was given an absolute discharge.