(Image: Newsquest)
A man who repeatedly contacted his ex-partner in breach of a court order has narrowly avoided prison.
Michael Winn breached the non-molestation order by contacting his ex repeatedly on social media and from unknown mobile numbers.
The 40-year-old was warned at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court not to respond to messages from his ex.
Prosecutor George Johnston said Winn had breached the order at least six times since it was imposed in March 2025.
He said: “The defendant was prohibited from communicating with the victim, he was prohibited from threatening or using violence towards her.”
Winn, of Cookson Place, South Stanley, County Durham, admitted breaching the order six times between July and November last year.
He also admitted possessing a class C drug when he was arrested in March over the breaches.
His lawyer, David Malone, said Winn had worn an electronic tag since appearing in court in March.
He said: “He is fully aware of the situation that he is in and he accepts that this offending, coupled with his previous record, crosses the custody threshold.
“He wants some help to get off the drugs and that’s something that has been a longstanding issue for him.”
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District Judge Steven Hood handed Winn an 18-week sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.
The judge warned the defendant not to respond to any future messages from his ex-partner to avoid any potential breaches.
He said: “You have avoided prison by a whisker today.”
Winn was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and given an 18-month restraining order.