A MAN has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting breaching a restraining order by verbally abusing his ex-girlfriend.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, warned Garry David Stannard that any future breaches would seem him imprisoned.

The 26-year-old of Shildon Street in Darlington appeared via video link for sentencing after previously admitting the breach and causing criminal damage to his ex’s fence.

The court heard that the year-long restraining order was imposed in August after a series of incidents and the end of Stannard’s six-year relationship with his ex.

On October 15 he went to her house and verbally abused her by calling her a “slut, bitch and slag” while her seven-year-old child was present before damaging her fence, prosecutor Hari Jandoo said.

Alan Green in mitigation said his client has now accepted the relationship is over and while some of the contact was initiated by Stannard’s ex girlfriend, he has no intention of breaching the order.

Magistrates sentenced Stannard to 12 weeks in prison suspended for two years with 24 months supervision and 100 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs.