A drunk who persistently used police cars and ambulances as a personal taxi service has been banned from pubs and clubs for three years.

Sussex Police say Ruth Ryan has been a continual drain on the emergency services after regularly getting so drunk in Eastbourne that she cannot get any transport home.

Now the 36-year-old has been made the subject of a three year antisocial behaviour order at Hastings Magistrates' Court.

The court was told she regularly got drunk in the town's pubs and clubs where she verbally abused and threatened staff. She would then dial 999 and request the police or an ambulance.

Magistrates were told when the emergency services arrived they realised Ryan did not need any assistance and had made the emergency call just to get a lift home.

PC Ginny Jupp, an antisocial behaviour officer for Sussex Police, said: "This is another example of how antisocial behaviour within Eastbourne is dealt with.

"Ryan's persistent abusive behaviour towards members of staff working within the night time economy and her abuse of the 999 system will not be tolerated and the stringent conditions placed on her by the courts are an example to others of what will happen should they decided to participate in such behaviour."

One of the six terms of the asbo is that Ryan, who is from Eastbourne, does not do anything that could upset or annoy anyone she does not live with.

She has also been ordered not to cause any damage or to try to persuade others to.

Ryan is banned from carrying any can, bottle or container of alcohol in any public place within Sussex and is banned from being drunk in public anywhere in the county.

She must also not call the 999 emergency telephone system for any reason other than a genuine emergency.

And she must not enter any licensed premises that are members of the Eastbourne Business Crime Group (EBCG).

Trish Pybous, the manager of EBCG, said there were about 70 member premises from which Ryan would be banned.

The group is a partnership between the local business community, Eastbourne Borough Council and Sussex Police.

Mrs Pybous said the EBCG aimed to promote the prevention of all aspects of crime in the town and to make Eastbourne a safer place.

She said: "We welcome this decision. It would have been a joint members' decision to call for the asbo.

"This is a perfect example of the group working together as a partnership.

"We are making Eastbourne a safer place for people to come and enjoy themselves."

What do you think? Should people who abuse the 999 system face tougher penalties?