Charles Rush was released from prison in the morning and appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court for another breach in the afternoon.

The bench released him and by 10.45pm that day he was drunk in The Avenue, Seaham, and making pointless 999 calls, Durham Crown Court heard.

"He told the ambulance control room he was injured and that he wanted to kill his sister," said Jane Mitford, prosecuting.

"An ambulance attended and found he was merely drunk, so the police were called.

"The officers say Rush was difficult and obstructive, but not offensive."

The court heard 53-year-old Rush, of no fixed abode, was made the subject of a 15-year Asbo in June, 2005, and his most recent breach happened on March 12, this year.

Ron Mitchell, defending, said: "He admits he is in breach of the order yet again.

"He is a hopeless drunk who was released from prison and court that day and phoned 999 in the evening to get a roof over his head.

"While he is to be sentenced for breaching the order, which carries a maximum of five years, the court must take into account the circumstances of the breach.

"His behaviour that evening was not as obnoxious as it could have been, and a short period of custody is probably appropriate."

Judge Michael Cartlidge jailed Rush for eight months and told him: "You are a complete and utter shambolic drunken nuisance.

"Every type of sentence has been tried and you have been offered every assistance.

"I hope you will use your time in custody to reflect on your future.

"But history is a guide to the future, and I have no great confidence you will not be returning to court again."