A 64-year-old man was repeatedly abusive to neighbours and even continued his offensive behaviour when made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order, a court heard.

John Unsworth, of Oxford Road, Atherton, harassed Joan Smith between November and February by directing “a torrent of foul and abusive language” at her, Liverpool Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Neville Biddle said Unsworth was also abusive to her friend, Stephen Fazakerley, who lived in the flat below his home.

On March 17, Mr Fazakerley’s daughter, Nicola Seddon, her husband David and their two young daughters arrived to see him.

Unsworth used foul and abusive language and spat at Nicola.

When her husband objected, Unsworth swore at him. Mr Biddle said that two weeks earlier, Wigan magistrates had imposed an ASBO on Unsworth for disorderly behaviour.

On July 23, he was again abusive to Mr Fazakerley and the police were called and he was arrested. Unsworth was abusive to the officers and took his trousers down, urinated and defecated in the back of the police van.

Unsworth admitted breaching the ASBO. He denied two charges of harassment, common assault and threatening behaviour but was convicted after the trial.

Judge Adrian Lyon sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and placed him under supervision for two years.

The ASBO will continue with the added condition that he does not use threatening or abusive words in public.

The judge also warned Unsworth that if he breaches the restraining order he will go to prison, saying said: “I don't want to see you here again.”

Unsworth replied: “I don’t want to come here again.”

As he left the dock, Unsworth said to him “thanks very much”.

John Chukwuemeka, defending, said: “Although his behaviour caused distress, there is no suggestion of serious harm.”

He has lived at that address for 27 years and Mr Fazakerley moved in two years ago. Unsworth, who has medical problems, requires supervision and monitoring within the community, he said.

He was in custody for almost a month after breaching the ASBO and has since been on bail in a hostel where he has benefited from supervision and assistance, said the defence barrister.