'Nuisance' ex jailed after breaching restraining order for 13th time

Edward Palmer was banned from having contact with his former partner under the terms of a restraining order which was imposed in September 2017 after their relationship ended "badly".

Newcastle Crown Court heard since the order was imposed, the 41-year-old has flouted it 12 times by making unwanted contact and been given prison sentences, as well as other penalties, as a result.

Palmer, of no fixed address, is now back behind bars after admitting his 13th breach by turning up outside his victim's home, in Sunderland.

Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced him to 20 weeks behind bars.

The judge told him: "You went to the street outside her house. It was obvious you were there.

"You were saying things through the letter box and hanging around in the street for some time before you eventually left.

"This was a period of time outside the house when you were making a nuisance of yourself."

Judge Clemitson said the victim felt "harassed" by Palmer's attendance.

The court heard Palmer has "reduced culpability" for his offending as a result of his mental health difficulties and will receive input from authorities that can help him after his release.

Judge Clemitson warned him: "If you breach it, you go to prison, It's very simple."

Palmer was issued with a new restraining order to keep him away from the woman and her home for the next 12 months.