A MAN jailed for breaching a restraining order committed an identical offence on the day he was released from prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard Barry Lightbown should have gone to live in a probation hostel in Carlisle but instead returned to Blackburn where he tried to contact his ex-partner through social media.

The court was told he persisted despite her sending him a message saying she had a restraining order and a boyfriend and he should leave her alone.

She later told police: "He's obsessed with me. I want nothing more to do with him. I want to be able to live my life without having to constantly look over my shoulder."

Lightbown, 45, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order. He was jailed for 26 weeks and ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Lightbown committed the latest offence on the very day he was released from prison, calling and messaging his former partner.

"He had already written to her when he was in prison," said Miss Allan.

Zabair Afzal, defending, said when he was released Lightbown did not want to go to the hostel in Carlisle and contacted his ex-partner to speak to her about it.

"The vibe he got from her was that there was no problem with him contacting her," said Mr Afzal.

"Having been arrested and appearing in court today he knows the relationship is at a complete end."