BURNLEY MAN JAILED AFTER SENDING £10 TO EX IN BREACH OF RESTRAINING ORDER
A man who was banned from contact with his ex-partner sent her a £10 bank transfer with a message attached asking her to contact him.Blackburn magistrates heard that in order to avoid contact with Shane Gaughan, the aggrieved had moved house, changed her job and all methods of contact.
The only thing she didn't change was her bank account.
Gaughan, 33, of Elizabeth Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order and being in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit.
He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with nine-month alcohol treatment requirement and 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was fined £150 with £85 costs and £114 victim surcharge and his licence endorsed with 10 penalty points.
Deputy District Judge Roger Lowe said it was clear Gaughan was now putting something back into the community by helping others.
"I accept it was done with a view to apologising to her for what you had done in the past," said Deputy District Judge Lowe.
Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said the aggrieved had made considerable efforts to distance herself from the defendant and make a fresh start.
"Equally, it seems he has made considerable efforts to reach out to her through this bank account which is the only thing she didn't change," said Miss Mills.
She said the driving offence followed a report to the police that a man in a parked car appeared to be heavily intoxicated.
"The engine was running but he told officers he had no intention of driving.
"He was in a recovery home and one of the things they were encouraged to do was make reparation to victims," said Mr Williams.
"He was desperate to contact her and this was the only way he could do it." Mr Williams said his client had received assistance from Help for Heroes.
"He drives the mini bus for them and is a big help to others which is confirmed by a representative of the charity who sits at the back of the court today," said Mr Williams.
