A WOMAN who had been living in fear of her ex-partner was found hiding in a phone box after calling police.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ben Rothwell had moved into her home despite a restraining order and she said she was subjected to daily abuse for 15 days before plucking up the courage to call the police.

Rothwell, 33, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order. He was jailed for 26 weeks and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge on release.

The magistrates imposed a new restraining order for 12 months which prohibits any contact with the aggrieved or approaching her home in Nelson.

Suzanne Byrne, prosecuting, said the order was made after Rothwell was convicted of assault against the same victim.

She went to Nelson police station to report the fact he was in her home but the station was shut and she made a phone call.

“She was found hiding in a phone box and was clearly in a distressed state,” said Miss Byrne.

“She said the defendant had been living at her address and had subjected her to daily abuse. She was very scared of him.”

Miss Byrne said it was the fifth breach of the restraining order by Rothwell, of Beechcroft, Prestwich.

Daniel Frazer, defending, said his client claimed he was there at her invitation.