The first person in the UK to be banned from going near a police station has lost her appeal to overturn the order.

But Hazel Yates, 44, from Heath Close, Hunston, near Chichester, has been told it will only apply for two rather than three years.

The ban was imposed in September this year to curb her antisocial behaviour on the city's streets and to stop her pestering police.

Yesterday at Chichester Crown Court Judge Baker ruled the antisocial behaviour order was lawful, even though it was not granted in her presence, and should remain in force.

He ruled the exclusion area should be altered slightly but still include the police station and around the town centre.

He also made a community rehabilitation order for one year, for two breaches of the order.

Yates said she breached it because she needed to use services in the city.

The order had been granted after complaints about her trespassing, using foul language, refusing to leave licensed premises, being drunk and disorderly, and stealing.

Inspector Brian Bracher, from Chichester police station, said: "I am delighted the order was upheld.

"It represents a concerted partnership effort between the police and Chichester District Council to protect members of the public who simply want to shop or work in the city centre without being verbally abused or harassed.

"The high-profile media coverage of this order has sent out a clear message we will not condone antisocial behaviour.

"The order is an important weapon in our fight against antisocial behaviour in the city.

"Where we have spoken to offenders in recent months, we have found they have curtailed their behaviour dramatically.

"Our successful action against Hazel Yates has, I hope, acted as a deterrent to others."