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Asbo for pensioner's Hitler rants

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A pensioner who subjected her neighbours to "antisemitic" rants and jibes about Hitler for seven years has been given an interim antisocial behaviour order (Asbo)

Edna Beck's abuse included attacks on Muslims, Poles and Germans, while she became known for shouting "Heil Hitler", telling young people they were "Hitler's children" and making the Nazi salute.

Neighbours complained to police about Ms Beck, who is 80 and from Hove, sometimes up to three times a week. According to the Daily Mail she was arrested – not for the first time - during a rant about Barack Obama on Tuesday.

She was labelled "racist, antisemitic and homophobic" by Brighton PC Kevin Michnowicz.

She tiold reporters after the hearing that she was not anti-social. "I'm a normal woman," she said. "Everyone can tell you that."

Ben Duncan, Brighton and Hove council's member for communities, equalities and public protection, said the Asbo was a last resort.

He said: "Despite numerous offers of support and warnings from council officers and police, Ms Beck has continued to cause considerable distress to her neighbours and other members of the community."

The Asbo prohibits Ms Beck from inciting hatred, being drunk and disorderly and shouting to cause alarm.

Last year 72-year-old John Godfrey won a legal battle to have an Asbo revoked. The order was originally given because staff at Colindale's Jewish Community Housing Association accused him of "threatening violence".

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