A MAN banned from going near a house in Colne flouted a court order when he set off to go to a friend’s house, a court heard.

Pennine magistrates were told how Peter Rayson, 50, was not allowed to go within 50 metres of a property on Exchange Street as he was subject to a civil non-molestation order taken out by Helen Rayson. But, on October 29, a police officer saw him about 20 metres away from the premises and counted he was 18 paces away.

Rayson appeared drunk, was abusive and said he was going to a mate’s on Patten Street. He was arrested.

The defendant, of Cambridge Street, Colne, has a record for being drunk and disorderly. He admitted breaching the earlier order.

The bench said they felt Rayson was “simply reckless”.

They said no harm was caused and added: “We believe you simply went the wrong way.”

Rayson was fined £165 and told to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge following the incident.