NEIGHBOURS who saw a man acting suspiciously called police because they thought he was a burglar.

Blackburn magistrates heard Aaron Michael Roberts was actually at his ex-partner's home but was arrested because that put him in breach of a restraining order.

Roberts, 31, of Padiham Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order in favour of Holly Fort. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Roberts had already been sent to prison for breaching the order and was subject to post-sentence supervision.

"He was seen pulling at a side window at his ex-partner's home and then went round the back," said Miss Allan. "When the police arrived he ran off but was found hiding behind a wall."

Roberts told police his ex-partner had contacted him and asked him to collect the children from school.

Mark Williams, defending, said Roberts was at the house at the invitation of Miss Fort.

"The neighbour thought he was trying to break into the house and called the police," said Mr Williams.