A MIDDLE-AGED man who repeatedly flouted court orders banning him from going near his former girlfriend is behind bars.

Burnley Magistrates heard how ex-convict David Francis Skillan, 48, confronted Veronica Blades, demanding to know how many times she and her boyfriend had had sex -- and all in front of passers-by in Nelson town centre at midday.

He then followed her, shouted obscenities and called her daughter fat.

Skillan's solicitor told how he had been drinking for two days after finding out a friend had taken his own life. He urged the court to give him one last chance.

The defendant, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, was jailed for four months after admitting breaching an 18 month restraining order, on January 21. Skillan, who has 27 previous convictions, had breached it several times before and the prosecutor said he had shown "blatant disregard, " for the authority of the court.

Julie Reddish, for the Crown, told the hearing under the order made in February last year, the defendant was not to have any contact with Miss Blades.

In January, she was in Nelson town centre when she saw Skillan, who started shouting at her. The complainant could smell drink on her former partner's breath.

Skillan then followed Miss Blades into the Victory Centre, shouting abuse, screaming and using obscene language as she tried to get away. Miss Blades' daughter joined her as she phoned for the police and Skillan called her fat.

Miss Reddish said the defendant was still ranting as he was taken to the police station and arrested. He said he had been drinking but denied using obscene language towards Miss Blades.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Skillan needed help for the drink problem he had developed over the last three years.

He had always enjoyed a social drink but that increased when he was under the pressures of work and a volatile relationship.

Skillan had gone to see his doctor to get some help and his GP was also going to refer him to a psychiatrist for treatment.

The past breaches had taken place on Fir Street, Nelson, as both Skillan and Miss Blades had been living on the same street.

Mr Irlam said on the day of the offence the defendant started drinking and the last thing he remembered was leaving the Lord Nelson pub. The meeting with Miss Blades was by chance.

Skillan had moved half a mile away from Miss Blades and since being released from prison had tried to avoid her.

The solicitor added: "I urge the court to give the defendant one final chance and to give him the help he needs."