A ‘PROFILIC offender’ has been put behind bars after getting into trouble with police 15 times in the past year alone.

Craig Howman, of Stones Manor Lane, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, December 15 after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a woman in Northwich and resisting a police officer in the execution of duty.

Police have since issued a statement branding him ‘abusive and disruptive’ towards innocent members of the public.

The 31-year-old was jailed for 16 weeks and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

Howman was also handed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which bans him from entering any licensed pubs, restaurants, clubs, bars or café’s in the CW8 or CW9 postcode areas.

He is also banned from being drunk in any public place in CW8 or CW9, and banned from carrying any open containers of alcohol in any public place within the Northwich postcode areas.

The order also prevents Howman from causing harassment, alarm or distress to any members of the public.

This includes swearing in public or to the public, including the emergency eervices.

In addition, he is also ordered to engage in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

During the hearing the court heard that Howman had been into contact with officers 15 times in the past year alone; the majority of offences were related to alcohol.

Chief inspector Darren Griffith, head of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Howman is a prolific offender and his behaviour over the past year has been totally unacceptable.

“He often becomes abusive and disruptive towards innocent members of the public, causing unnecessary alarm and distress.

“There comes a point when you have to say enough is enough and take additional action to protect the community and businesses in the area.

“I hope that this order provides reassurance to local residents and helps to deter Howman’s criminal behaviour once he is released from prison.”

If Howman fails to comply with any of the conditions he could face a penalty of five years imprisonment.

Anyone who encounters Howman breaching any of the above restrictions is urged to contact Cheshire Police.