A man has been banned from shops in Banbury after he assaulted a security guard during a robbery.

Robert Clark, 31, of Charles Court, Broad Street, Banbury, was sentenced to six months in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to theft and being found guilty of assault.

Bicester Magistrates' Court heard that Clark was seen shoplifting in Tescos, Banbury.

The assault happened when the security guard stopped Clark from leaving the store.

An application by police for an anti social behaviour order (ASBO) was approved on conviction. The order bans Clark from all shops within two miles of Banbury Cross for two years. The order will come into effect when he is released from prison.

It was the area's first successful application for an 'ASBO on conviction'. ASBOs are normally applied for in conjunction with a local authority, but new legislation means they can now be imposed by a court when a person has been convicted of a criminal offence.

Sgt Justin Fletcher, of Banbury police, said: "We will be working with members of the Banbury Crime Partnership to ensure Clark stays away from retail premises in Banbury."