Imran Marish, 44, of no fixed address, was described by police during one incident as going "totally crazy" in the town centre, while in another he continually screamed obsentities at residents in a quiet Pellon street until officers arrived.

And each time after his three arrests on June 16 and 17 he refused to co-operate or speak to officers.

He was sentenced for the public order offence at Calderdale Magistrates Court after being found guilty in his absence during a trial at Bradford Magistrates. He also admitted shoplifting from a discount shoe shop and failing to provide a drug test sample.

Carole Lawford, prosecuting, said: "He has a history of public order offences and they have become more regular."

She added police had tried to handle matters by arresting Marish and making him see a doctor before releasing him the next day but they feared he had now become a danger to the public.

The shoplifting offence happened at Priceless shoe store, in Bradford city centre, where a security guard had spotted him trying to smuggle a £5 bag from the shop. He had been drawn to staff's attention because he was carrying an HMS prison bag from his time in the police cells.

Mohammad Ryaz, for Marish, said he had come to Halifax as an asylum seeker where he claimed benefits and accommodation but this help was removed after the application failed.

Mr Ryaz said: "This was a protest at the removal of that help but because he has some suspected psychological problems he went about it all wrong."

He was sentenced to 14 days in prison.