AN embarrassing mix-up allowed the first man charged as part of a clampdown on antisocial drunks in Basildon town centre to walk free from court.

John Ives, 52, of Rayside, was due to appear at Basildon Magistrates Court yesterday to face a charge that he knowingly ignored a police order to stay out of the recently introduced town centre dispersal zone.

But the case was dropped by Dinah Walters, prosecuting for the Crown Prosecution Service, because police had not provided sufficient evidence in time for the hearing to take place.

Mrs Walters said: “The police didn’t provide any evidence that he was ever given an order to disperse.

“I can’t prosecute without any evidence.”

Mr Ives was allegedly banned for 24 hours from the dispersal zone, which was introduced in June.

It was implemented to crack down on abusive drinkers, after he was allegedly drunk and abusive to passers-by on July 6.

He was arrested after returning to the shopping centre the following day.

Ives was originally supposed to appear at the Basildon court last Thursday, but magistrates refused to deal with him then because he was deemed too drunk.

He had earlier entertained other defendants in the court waiting room by singing pop songs.

Mr Ives spoke yesterday of his relief the charge had been dropped, and then went on to claim the dispersal order was unfair.

He said: “They are trying to tar everyone with the same brush.

“But just because I like a drink doesn’t mean I’m like all the rest.

“I don’t take drugs, with the exception of prescription drugs, and I wasn’t causing any trouble.”

Mr Ives claimed he was not given a map by police, explaining exactly where he was banned from during the 24 hour period.

He returned to the shopping centre to pick up a repeat prescription from Boots and visit Esther McCafferty, vicar of St Martin’s Church where he worships.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “The request for further information was submitted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“But unfortunately the request was sent too late for the police to provide additional information in time for the court appearance.”

Seven people have so far been handed 24 hour bans from the town centre under the dispersal order.

However, Mr Ives is the only person so far to have been arrested for breaching the order.