A MAN who breached a restraining order five times in two months was still deeply in love with his ex-wife.

Blackburn magistrates heard that David Kealey even wrote to his former partner from prison, in breach of the court order, in an effort to win her back.

But Daniel King, defending, said there had never been any suggestion of threats against Vanessa Kealey.

"He has never harmed a hair on her head and never would do," said Mr King. "All he has ever wanted was the chance to talk to her to try and repair the damage."

Kealey, of Dyson Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to all five charges.

He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months after the magistrates were told he had served the equivalent of a three month sentence while waiting for his case to be finalised.

The court heard that Kealey and his wife had enjoyed a 'fairytale' wedding in South Africa and their marriage had produced two children who he cared for deeply.

Mr King said his client was charged under the Harassment Act which had been dubbed the anti-stalking legislation.

"In a way he has stalked his wife but not with any sinister intent or any threat to her," he said.

"If you read the letters he has sent from prison you will see what his feelings are towards his ex wife. There are no threats or insults, it is purely a declaration of love."

Mr King said Kealey had already been punished by serving the equivalent of a three month prison sentence.

Imposing the rehabilitation order the chairman of the magistrates warned Kealey that any further breaches of the restraining order would almost certainly result in a prison sentence.

"We have given you a chance to sort yourself out and move on, he said.

"You have to put your life together again and accept that things have changed."