A nurse who was subjected to persistent abusive and intimidating behaviour by a drunk patient has welcomed an anti-social behaviour order (asbo) banning him from the hospital.

Anthony Robert Smith, 38, of 5th Avenue, north Hull, regularly caused problems at Hull Royal Infirmary, where he would abuse and threaten staff and refuse to leave.

He has now been given a two-year asbo which prevents him from entering the grounds of the hospital and any other across the country, unless he requires emergency treatment or has an appointment.

Nurse practitioner Mike Haden, who has worked at the infirmary for 10 years, said: "In accident and emergency, we cannot turn people away, so we very much welcome this order because we now can say we don't have to put up with him.

"Many of the staff in accident and emergency know him.

"He has assaulted a number of staff. He had social and alcohol problems and would come into the hospital and threaten and abuse staff.

"Staff and patients were scared of him. We will now be able to do our jobs more effectively because we will not be having to try to cope with him."

Under the terms of his asbo, Mr Smith is also prevented from having an open container of alcohol in public, other than in premises licensed for the sale of alcohol.

Andy Thompson, security manager for Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Hull Royal Infirmary, said: "I believe this action will act as a deterrent to anyone who believes it is acceptable to abuse or intimidate NHS staff."

PC Russ Moore, asbo co-ordinator for Humberside Police, said Smith had a long history of drink-related bad behaviour, mainly surrounding the hospital, but that he was also a nuisance across the city.

PC Moore said: "The asbo will give him the change to rehabilitate himself and give him the chance to get off the alcohol and change his life."

If found guilty of a breach of his asbo, Smith faces a term of up to five years in prison.