A MAN convicted of harassing his former partner landed himself in jail by sending her abusive texts.

Leon Eccles, 24 of Sutton Street, Blackburn, was jailed for 10 months for four breaches of the restraining order.

He was also in breach of a suspended sentence imposed for inflicting grievous bodily harm and a conditional discharge for harassment.

Roger Baldwin, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court the three-year restraining order, made last February, prevented Eccles from communicating directly or in-directly with his former partner.

On July 31, 11 texts were sent, four on August 5, one on August 25 and three on August 27.

Eccles claimed his mobile had been stolen but it was found in his bedroom switched on and fully charged. He then claimed a friend had sent the messages.

John Woodward, defending, said: "He is sorry. It was immature, childish behaviour."

Eccles had pleaded guilty and expressed contrition and remorse.

Judge Andrew Gilbart QC told Eccles: "You were told by a court you must not do it."

The judge also ruled the restraining order should run for three years from the date of his court appearance.