TWO yobs have been banned from Weymouth seafront after causing ‘misery’ and prolonged intimidation to the public.

Police have hailed the orders against David Cant and Ian Heatherington which will protect the community.

Officers say they are working hard to tackle street drinking which plagues the town, particularly the seafront.

David Cant, 43, was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order by Weymouth Magistrates Court, which will last for five years.

The order was issued on the back of public order act offences where he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on a businessman on Weymouth Beach. He has also been convicted of a number of theft and drug offences.

Cant was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and is due to be released on licence this week.

Meanwhile, Ian Heatherington, 46, has been banned from going onto Weymouth seafront for the next three years after being convicted of making racially abusive comments towards members of the public.

He was issued with the Criminal Behaviour Order by Bournemouth Crown Court after being sentenced to eight months imprisonment on June 19. He was released on licence in October.

The court heard Heatherington made racially abusive comments toward members of the public on Weymouth Esplanade on Saturday, September 6 2014. He was charged with causing racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence.

Inspector Pete Browning, of Weymouth police, said: “David Cant and Ian Heatherington have caused misery for many in Weymouth over the years with their anti-social behaviour and persistent street drinking.

“This order shows that we will deal with offenders such as Cant and Heatherington robustly and that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Dorset Police is working hard to resolve the street drinking and associated crimes such as anti-social behaviour in Weymouth town centre.

“We work alongside the local authorities and the community to ensure any concerns they may have are addressed and dealt with.”