PETERLEE MAN JAILED FOR PERSISTENT BREACHES OF RESTRAINING ORDER

A man from Peterlee named William Jenkinson has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after repeatedly breaching a court order designed to protect his ex-partner. Jenkinson was found guilty of multiple violations, including messaging his ex and showing up uninvited at her house, actions that he persisted with despite being under bail conditions. His breaches included turning up at her residence and contacting her via phone, often losing his temper during these encounters. The court also heard that he failed to notify police of a change of address, breaching notification requirements as a sex offender. This obligation was originally imposed when he was jailed for sex offences at Edinburgh High Court in August 2016. The court was told that the restraining order was put in place at Darlington Magistrates’ Court in March 2023, after Jenkinson's conviction for common assault of his partner. His behavior was described as persistent, and his offending pattern was exacerbated by his actions while on bail. Jenkinson's mental health issues and traumatic childhood were also mentioned as factors considered during sentencing. Recorder Mark Ainsworth emphasized that court orders are for public protection and warned that further breaches would lead to harsher penalties. Jenkinson's solicitor acknowledged his persistent offending but highlighted his mental health struggles. The court's decision sentenced him to 22 months, reinforcing that the restraining order remains in place and warning of further consequences for future violations.