A FATHER is outraged after his son, who suffers from schizophrenia, was given an ASBO.

Francis McCann, 27, is accused of breaking into sheds and garages to steal from bins and skips and then selling what he finds in Leytonstone High Road.

Francis, who lives at St Alex, a residential care home for those with mental health issues in Palmers Green, is now banned from entering Leyton and Leytonstone for two years.

But his father, Terry McCann, 53, has spoken out as he feels his son should never have been given the ASBO.

He said: “He's been vilified – not just him, but everyone with mental health problems.”

Francis was diagnosed with schizophrenia more than ten years ago and has also suffered from drug addiction.

Terry, who works in a post room and now lives in Caledonian Road, north London, said: “He's been let down. I love him to bits and he wouldn't do any harm to anyone.

“It's because of the way he is – he's an easy target.”

He added that Francis had been violently attacked in the past and had been “picked on” because of his condition.

Francis had previously achieved A grades in drama and art as well as representing Essex at rugby.

“He needs help, not an ASBO. He needs to be on some sort of programme,” Terry said.

“He's lived in Leytonstone since he was born – he only left about a year ago.”

Terry added that Francis often returns to the Leytonstone area as he knows it well and feels safe there, but now cannot do so because of the ASBO.

The Guardian is awaiting a statement from the police.