A MAN subject to a five-year restraining order contacted his ex-partner via mobile and text messages while he was still serving a prison sentence from domestic violence offences against her.

Blackburn magistrates heard Dominic Israel Masterson was arrested after his release and denied the offences.

But when police played him recordings they had asked his ex to make he asked to see his solicitor and said: "I'll hold my hands up, you have got me bang to rights."

Masterson, 27, of St Peter Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order. He was committed in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Masterson was sent to prison last year for offences involving the same victim and a five year restraining order had been made.

"He has breached that order by contacting her from prison which must be an aggravating factor," said Miss Allan. "The victim said it had left her feeling really scared and vulnerable."

Gareth Price, defending, the the complaint had been made a month ago while his client was still in prison but the police did not go and see him.

He was made aware they wanted to speak to him and went to Greenbank police station on the day of his release.

"They were too busy to see him and said they would contact him for a voluntary interview," said Mr Price.

"You can imagine his surprise when he was arrested on Monday and kept in custody."

Mr Price said the communication was coming the other way.

"While he was in prison she was giving him updates about their child," said Mr Price.

"He maintains all he is interested in is their child.

"He doesn't want any contact with her but he wants to be part of his child's life."