A MAN has avoided an immediate prison sentence after breaching a restraining order.

Stephen Speakman, of Walnut Avenue in Weaverham, appeared in Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on September 19 where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard how the 43-year-old allowed a woman into his home on September 16 which he was prohibited from doing by a restraining order imposed by Warrington Magistrates’ Court on March 18.

Taking Speakman’s guilty plea into account, magistrates sentenced him to eight weeks in custody suspended for 12 months.

The magistrates said the custodial sentence has been suspended because: “He has complied with his community order in terms of alcohol treatment and made good progress.

“He is yet to start the Building Better Relationships programme and there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”