A MAN who breached a restraining order to keep him from pestering his former partner has been jailed for eight weeks.

Steven Brooks will be released almost immediately after serving the equivalent of the sentence whilst remanded in custody since his arrest on January 8.

The 41-year-old left her a number of mobile phone messages using a number that she didn't recognise but when she listened to them she immediately recognised his voice.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the relationship between Brooks and his victim had lasted for nine months before starting to deteriorate when he started drinking heavily and failing to return home.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said: "On further looking through her calls received she from that number and found 15 similar messages – he appeared to be intoxicated and upset.

"She didn't encourage the defendant to continue contacting her and she was adamant the relationship was over."

Brooks, of Burlam Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to breaching his restraining order.

In mitigation, Robert Mochrie, said his client had pleaded guilty and the earliest opportunity and had affectively served his sentence already while in custody.

Judge Paul Watson QC sentenced Brooks to eight weeks in custody but said he would be more than likely released almost immediately due to his time already served ahead of the hearing.