A MAN who was only allowed to contact his estranged partner via email to make child contact arrangements started sending abusive messages.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim felt 'intimidated' by the messages sent by Lee McKenna in breach of the requirements of a non-molestation order.

McKenna, 32, of Taylor Street, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to breaching the order.

He was fined £230 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said the victim had stopped replying to emails from the defendant because she thought he was being awkward.

He responded by sending abusive and insulting messages.

Imran Hussain, defending, said a lot of thought had gone into the non-molestation order which permitted him to contact the other party to arrange child contact and nothing else.

"He is prohibited from intimidating his ex or using the language that he did," said Mr Hussain.

"There was considerable communication between them but he accepts the language he used was inappropriate.

"He loves his daughter dearly and was desperately trying to make arrangements.

"He apologises for losing his self-control."