Ex-partner spared from jail after breaching restraining order

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, June 1, how Neil Cope, 41, of Cauldon Drive, Holme Hall, Chesterfield, attended his ex’s Chesterfield address which he was prohibited from doing by a restraining order.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam told a previous hearing that Cope had attended the address of the complainant in breach of a restraining order and tried to speak to his son through an open window.

The court heard how Cope has previously been jailed for three weeks for threatening behaviour and for initially breaching his restraining order.

A restraining order had been issued in January in respect of a criminal damage and dangerous driving matter after he had responded to an allegation made by his ex-partner by deliberately crashing into a police car.

Cope pleaded guilty to his latest breach of the restraining order committed on May 5 when he tried to speak to his son.

Defence solicitor Rob Sowter said he is not to go to this address or to contact his ex but he was trying to contact his son.

Mr Sowter explained Cope went to the property because of delays with social services and child contact arrangements and he has had mental health difficulties with post traumatic stress disorder after being in the Army.

Magistrates sentenced Cope to eight weeks of custody suspended for 12 months after considering a probation report.

He was also ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.