A 40-YEAR-OLD Kingsteignton man with mental health issues has been banned from 'impersonating' a police officer after authorities obtained an anti-social behaviour order against him.

Jason Kerswell has been made the subject of an Asbo, a condition of which forbids him from 'impersonating' police officers, security guards and charity collectors.

The order was granted at Torquay Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 3, following an application by Devon and Cornwall police and Teignbridge District Council.

This followed a conviction for sexual touching made last October for which Kerswell was given a 12-month community order.

Kerswell has been banned from approaching off-duty police, NHS, housing and council staff following a series of 'inappropriate' visits to employees' home addresses.

The Asbo conditions prevent Kerswell from:

Acting in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons in the same household.

Approaching or making contact with people he knows are employed by Devon and Cornwall police, Teign Housing, Devon Partnership NHS Trust or Teignbridge District Council when they are not working.

Attending or entering any office building owned by Teign Housing unless by prior appointment.

Impersonating a police officer or giving the impression that he is working for the police.

Impersonating a security officer or guard, market researcher or charity collector, or giving the impression that he works for those organisations.

Speaking after the order was granted, Inspector Ian Curson, based at Newton Abbot police station, said: "My hope is this Asbo will give Mr Kerswell cause to reflect on his behaviour and why we think it's unacceptable.

"The aim is for this to act as a strong deterrent against behaving this way in future."

Teignbridge Council's executive member for the environment and safety Cllr Kevin Lake said: "We'd always remind people to check for proper identification from anybody claiming to represent a specific company, whether it's on the street or on doorstep."