A MAN with Asperger's syndrome retained a deep fixation for his former partner five months after they had separated.

Blackburn magistrates heard his partner of 12 years had moved on but was left shocked and frightened after Craig Waddington had turned up at her home and delivered a four-page letter through her letterbox.

Waddington, 32, of Whalley Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order by attending his ex-partner's Blackburn home.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said the couple's 12-year relationship had ended in July but he clearly still had a fixation with her.

"She had changed her phone number so he couldn't contact her and was surprised when she received a letter from the courts in December saying he had applied for the restraining order to be removed," said Miss Akhtar.

"She attended court with the support of a lady from the Wish Centre and was pleased when a District Judge ruled the order would remain."

Five days after the court case, on Christmas Eve, the four-page letter was posted through her door.

"A lot of the content was rambling but parts of it scared her," said Miss Akhtar.

"She was deeply concerned that he had actually been to her address and posted the letter."

Gareth Price, defending, said Waddington had spent a significant period of his adult life in the relationship.

"Asperger's has a significant impact on social reaction, particularly to change, and it hasn't been easy for him," said Mr Price.

"He is now having to adjust and come to terms with the significant change in his life."

Mr Price said the breach was by indirect contact and the letter had not been overtly threatening.

"He accepts it would have caused the recipient some concern," said Mr Price.