Stores in Fareham town centre have banned Cheryl Holtham, 33, from entering the area. She is also now barred from all the pubs in Gosport and Fareham.

The shops and pubs made their move after Holtham was given an Asbo by the courts, which effectively allows any local business, shop, or library to ask the police to ban her from their premises as well.

The News understands several establishments are already considering such action.

Holtham received the Asbo after racking up 21 convictions for more than 30 offences around Fareham stretching back to 1992.

She already had been convicted of five counts of offences against a person, three against property, 25 thefts, and five public order offences, before the incident on June 13 which led to her being given the Asbo.

Unemployed Holtham, of Frosthole Close, Fareham, was caught trying to steal make-up from Boots in Fareham Shopping Centre, but as she was stopped by a store detective she hurled racist abuse at him.

And when she was arrested and taken to Fareham Police Station she spat at two police officers before trying to torch the mattress in her cell.

During her hearing at Fareham Magistrates' Court, Holtham broke down and begged the bench not to jail her. Instead she received a suspended prison sentence and the Asbo after admitting theft, racial harassment, assaulting police oficers and arson.

Beat officer PC Helen Winters said: 'We are pleased to have obtained the Asbo against Cheryl Holtham, who has demonstrated clear and unacceptable anti-social behaviour in the area, causing distress and harassment to local residents.'

PC Alison Clark, Fareham's Asbo officer, added: 'Breaking the conditions of an Asbo is a criminal offence and if anyone sees Holtham breaching her order, I'd urge them to contact the police in Fareham as soon as possible.'

Pam Gillard, the shopping centre's manager said: 'This will make a difference to us with a better atmosphere for our shoppers.'