A reforming Hove alcoholic has welcomed his Asbo as he tries to turn his life around.

Ian Harvie Tyrrell was handed a two-year Asbo following his appearance at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 9.

It bans him from behaving in an antisocial manner and drinking alcohol in George Street, Hove, and surrounding areas.

The 56-year-old is hoping the order will help him kick the habit.

He said: “I’ve been an alcoholic for over 40 years and I’m ashamed about the way I behaved when I was drunk.

“However, I realise now I’m in sobriety that I was a real nuisance to the local community and I wish to apologise.

“When I received the Asbo file detailing my behaviour in black and white, I knew I was heading for court.

“It has been the wake-up call that I needed and I’ve now been off the booze for 19 days, and am regularly attending AA meetings.

“Instead of spending my time sitting on the floor drinking alcohol I now get out on my bike that I have repaired and can enjoy my days.

“I want to be a responsible member of society without the need for alcohol which left me open to being vulnerable and consequences such as going to prison.

“My two-year Asbo has given me another chance to clean up my act and with the ongoing support from Equinox, rough sleepers team and the police I intend to stay sober for the rest of my life and may even be able to help others who are in a similar situation.”

Ian, of Goldstone Villas, Hove, has been one of George Street’s most prolific street drinkers for the past three years and police have received a huge amount of calls about his behaviour in the last year.

The complaints include fighting, urinating in public and demanding food from shops, playing music too loudly, begging and shouting abuse at passers-by.