Jilted boyfriend given restraining order

6:39pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

A JILTED boyfriend who bombarded the mother of his child with phone calls before throwing her belongings into the street has been given an indefinite restraining order.

Brian Jones, who has been behind bars since December, was spared a further custodial sentence after pleading guilty to harassment at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.

Passing sentence, Judge Peter Lakin, said: "I'm told that you feel ashamed and embarrassed about the way in which you behaved and so you should.

"You knew full well that the relationship was over, but you wouldn't accept that.

"In the event, you bombarded her with phone calls, banging in her windows, putting her belongings into the street, and verbally and physically abused her.

"Domestic violence of that type is completely unacceptable and is to be taken very seriously by this court."

The court heard Jones split from his partner of three-and-a-half years, Sarah Haydock, last August.

Following the break-up the 36-year-old, of Dellside Grove, Walkden, was desperate to get back with Miss Haydock, the mother to their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Charlotte Crangle, prosecuting, said: "The split was at Miss Haydock's instigation. Mr Jones proceeded on numerous occasions to attempt to win her back.

"On, September 30, 2007, Miss Haydock received a number of phone calls to the extent that she told the defendant she would turn her mobile off and unplug her home phone.

"Mr Jones then said he would go round to her house if she did that. He turned up at the house and appeared drunk, banging on the windows.

"The police were called who took Mr Jones away."

The court then heard that on October 9, Jones let himself into Miss Haydock's home and threw her belongings into the street. Police were called and arrested him, but released Jones without charge.

On November 17, he went to Miss Haydock's flat to drop his daughter off following a day out. But instead of leaving, he remained in the flat telling Miss Haydock he wanted to talk about their relationship.

She insisted it was over, but Jones refused to accept it, and pushed her to the floor. He was later arrested and charged.

Louise Kitchin, defending, said: "Following the birth of their child Miss Haydock suffered from Post Natal Depression which began to affect their relationship.

"He too suffered from depression, hence his reaction to the situation and to the complainant.

"His actions were born out of upset and jealousy at the thought of his partner moving on into a new relationship. He spiralled into the depths of despair."

Jones was also given a 12 month supervision order.

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