A MAN has received a short jail term for breaching a restraining order.

Lewis David Joyce, 28, of no fixed abode admitted to the breach and was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard how Joyce had “inadvertently” sent an image via Facebook on March 11, 2018 to an Andover resident who had a restraining order against him.

Joyce was already serving a suspended sentence for affray, threatening someone with an offensive weapon and common assault for which he was sentenced on February 28, 2018.

Prosecuting Mark Ashley said: “The defendant sent an image via Facebook Messenger of a photo showing a female stroking his face to someone he was prohibited from doing so.”

“This is what caused the breach of the restraining order and of the suspended sentence implemented by this court.”

The court heard how Joyce has been in and out of jail for a number of years and has been suffering with a heroin addiction since the age of 18.

Defending Joyce, Philip McCann said: “The image was sent when he last came out of prison to a group of people and inadvertently to the recipient.”

Mr McCann also stated that Joyce has been in custody for 41 days adding: “This will surely show that he has served his time for this breach.”

In sentencing, recorder Don Tait said: “I have seen worse breaches than this, but there was a breach.However, I am going to give you an opportunity and I hope you do not let me down.”

Joyce was sentenced to two months in jail for breaching the restraining ordered and fined £50 for breaching the suspended sentence.