A ‘CONTROLLING’ man continued to contact his ex despite being banned by a restraining order, a court heard.

Michael Kilkoyne was convicted of assaulting his ex Siann Kilkoyne in November and was given a 12-month restraining order preventing him from contacting her.

However, just a month later, Kilkoyne began messaging her via WhatsApp.

Yesterday at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court the 47-year-old pleaded guilty to six counts of breaching a restraining order.

“On December 12 the defendant messaged her saying ‘Good night I love you always’,” said prosecutor Glenn Anderton.

“The next day he text her ‘I’m sorry for sending that I won’t again’.

“On Christmas Day he called to wish her Happy Christmas and to tell her he missed her.

"There was a similar call the following day.

“On January 9 he text ‘Please can we talk I think that’s why we’re in this situation through not talking enough.

"I’d love to work this out can we talk’.

“On January 10 he sent three texts: ‘Just ring me’, ‘Goodnight’ and ‘Just ring Siann I want to talk’.”

When he was arrested Kilkoyne told police he thought the restraining order only prohibited face-to-face contact.

In a victim statement his ex said: “I’m scared he’ll physically hurt me again, I’m constantly checking my doors and windows are locked, he is very controlling and emotionally abusive. It upsets me that someone I loved could be so cruel to me.”

Representing himself, Kilkoyne, of Empress Drive on Walney, angered District Judge Gerald Chalk by attempting to blame his ex.

The judge interrupted him and sent the sentencing to Preston Crown Court on July 26.

“I think the sentence deserves to be over 12 months in prison," the judge warned.

"I urge you to seek legal advice because your liberty will be at risk.

“Slagging off the opposition is not going to endear you to a crown court judge.

“You are at real risk of going to prison and I think you are likely to go to prison.”

Kilkoyne replied: “Please don’t send me to prison.

"I’m not a bad person.”