SEMI-RETIRED plumber Martin Solomon has breached an ASBO imposed to stop him shouting and swearing at the television while drunk.

Solomon, 62, upset neighbours in Farmhill Lane, Stroud by shouting foul and offensive language at the screen late at night whenever he disagreed with a programme.

Simon James, defending at Stroud Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, said: "Mr Solomon often drinks more than is good for him.

"He will have a drink and will return home.

"Then he will put on the television and if someone on the TV says something that upsets him, he will swear at the TV.

"Drink appears to be the problem - he admits that it’s his companion."

The court heard his neighbours, including two children aged two and 11, were disturbed from their sleep and upset by the language.

Stroud District Council brought the two-year order in Gloucester Magistrates’ Court on September 27 last year.

But Solomon broke the order on October 21 at 10.10pm, October 23 at 23.55pm and November 10 at 9.55pm.

Solomon admitted the breach in a police interview and pleaded guilty in court.

Mr James said: "He has tried very hard to comply with the order.

"He had a lapse in June of this year and he did apologise to the neighbours but there’s been a spate in October and November.

"When he isn’t drinking and watching TV late at night, he seems to get on with his neighbours."

He said Solomon had consulted a doctor and a rehabilitation service.

Colin Peake, SDC’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said: "It’s very frustrating for the family next door who’ve got two young children.

"Martin is a nice man but drink is the devil amongst him."

He was fined £80 and told to pay £60 costs plus a £15 victim surcharge.