A MAN continued to harass his family despite three warnings from the police.

Blackburn magistrates heard Simon Charles Raith's main target was his 83 year old grandma who he repeatedly asked for money.

And having heard details of the harassment the magistrates banned Raith from having contact with his grandma, his mum and his dad.

Raith, 28, of Higher Antley Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to harassing his grandma, Glenice Dean, his mum, Jane Beardsworth and his dad Peter Raith. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours unpaid work. He was made subject to a restraining order which prevents him from having any contact with the three victims or entering an area around his grandma's home in Waddington Road, Accrington.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Mrs Dean was 83 years old and Raith regularly turned up at her house demanding money, often in the early hours of the morning. Sometimes he would sit down and refuse to leave until he got what he wanted and on others he would bang on the windows and shout until he was given a handout.

Miss Allan said over the years Mrs Dean had supported her grandson but in recent months she believed he had been using the money she gave him to buy drugs.

She told how Mrs Dean had stopped opening the door and kept her windows shut, even in Summer, to stop him entering her house.

"He started waiting until they went to put the recycling our and sneaked in," said Miss Allan. "He started hanging round on a playing field waiting for a chance to get into the house."

Mrs Dean told police; "I just want him to stop asking for money. I want to be left alone in my old age and not be pestered by my grandson."

Deborah Morgan, defending, said part of the problem was that her client's benefits were paid into his mum's bank account. His mum and dad had moved in with his gran after they were evicted from their own home.

"His parents have struggled with alcohol and drug addiction and because of their problems his money wasn't always there for him," said Miss Morgan. "He accepts he has been round late and night and caused problems and that is not acceptable.

"He says over the years he has had a lot of support from his grandma and it is a shame their relationship should come to this," added Miss Morgan. "He didn't want to cause any distress to his grandma."

She said Raith intended to sort out his own bank account so he could avoid contact with his family.