An Asbo has been made against a New Ferry man after he called a sports centre receptionist a "cow" and a "witch."

Action was taken against Karl Brady of New Chester Road, following an incident in September when he attended the Oval Sports Centre in Bebington with a friend who was applying for membership.

The receptionist could not process the application as he did not have the correct paperwork, so Brady verbally abused and threatened her, swearing at her and calling her a "cow" and a "witch".

He also violently punched the reinforced glass partition directly in front of the receptionist.

Two days later, the pair returned and were asked to leave. Brady behaved in an intimidating manner towards the same receptionist.

Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team took immediate action and made an application for an Asbo against Brady, without his knowledge, at Birkenhead Magistrates' Court on October 1, when a district judge issued an interim order against the 25-year old.

On October 13, Brady was due to attend court but failed to turn up and was issued with a two-year Asbo ordering him not to harass local authority staff or anyone using council services.

He was also banned from entering or attempting to enter the Oval Sports Centre and the area surrounding it.

Jim Lester, head of Wirral Council cultural services, said: "We will not permit such appalling behaviour towards council officers who are doing their best to provide a quality service to members of the public.”

The Asbo remains in force until October, 2011, and if breached and proven, Brady faces up to five years' imprisonment.