A MAN who was given a five-year prison sentence for causing grievous bodily harm has been banned from entering pubs, hotel bars and nightclubs in four counties, including Cambridgeshire.

Bradley Stantiford, 36, has been placed under an interim Violent Offender Banning Order (VOO) by Watford Magistrates’ Court. It is the first VOO applied for by Hertfordshire Police.

Stantiford, of Adams House, Harlow, will also not be able to enter any of the above mentioned in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex. He has also been banned from contacting a named individual.

Should he breach the order, which runs until March 16, 2012, Stantiford could face punishment of up to five years in jail.

Det Insp Stuart Orton said: “Violent crime has a devastating effect on victims, their families and the wider community.

“This is the first time that Hertfordshire Constabulary has considered it necessary to apply for a Violent Offender Order.

“These orders are a valuable tool to help protect the public and to prevent the violent offending behaviour of the individuals concerned.

“I’d urge members of the public and those working in the licensed trade to report any breaches to Hertfordshire Constabulary by calling the non emergency number 101. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, always ring 999.”

A full banning order will be applied for when this interim order lapses.