A MAN described as a “drain on local resources” has been handed a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) for persistent drunken and anti-social behaviour impacting on NHS hospitals in south-west Surrey.

Magistrates heard Ben Etherington, aged 37, from Guildford, would attend Frimley Park Hospital, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Farnham Road Hospital and St Peter’s Hospital, in Chertsey, and act in an abusive and sexually inappropriate manner towards hospital staff.

The conditions of the CBO, among other requirements, prevent Etherington from attending the hospitals unless he requires emergency medical treatment or has a prior appointment confirmed in writing.

If he fails to comply with any of the conditions of the five-year CBO he will be committing a criminal offence and could be sent to prison or fined or both.

Lucy Lumsden from Surrey Police’s anti-social behaviour team said: “Ben Etherington’s multiple presentations at local hospitals has placed a significant drain on NHS resources, and clearly something needed to be done.”