A FARM worker breached a restraining order on the day it was made, a court has heard.

Artur Srodek, of Lulham near Madley, was charged with breaching a restraining order preventing him from visiting the home of his former partner on three occasions within a period of six days.

The 43-year-old was also charged with committing an offence whilst subject to a conditional discharge.

He pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford last week.

Nicola Ritchie, prosecuting, said that the restraining order banning him from visiting the property had been imposed on July 25 after Srodek assaulted his partner at her address in Kingstone two days earlier.

But Srodek breached the terms of the order that very evening, letting himself into the property while victim Rosemary Hale was at home with her son.

He said he was looking for his mobile phone and refused to leave the house when asked to do so.

Police were called and Srodek was removed from the property, but further breached the order three days later on July 28, when he was arrested after being found sat on the doorstep.

Police officers were again called to the property on July 30, after Ms Hale was woken at 3am by Srodek banging on her front door and attempting to gain entry to the house with an item in his hand.

In interview, Srodek said he had been trying to get into the house in order to retrieve his phone, which was hidden in a ‘secret place’.

Mr Singh, for Srodek, told magistrates that he had been drinking when the offences had taken place, but that he had found custody a “very sobering experience”.

“He wants to make amends,” Mr Singh said.

Srodek was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and to pay a victim surcharge of £122.

Srodek will continue to be subject to the existing 24 month conditional discharge and a six-month restraining order.