A MAN claimed in court he was being punished for wanting to be a good father.

Blackburn magistrates heard Christopher Pilkington had breached a non-molestation order by approaching his ex-partner in Tesco.

The court was told he repeatedly asked her about seeing his son despite her saying it wasn't up to her. And he only left her alone when she threatened to phone the police.

Pilkington, 54, of Juniper Court, Huncoat, pleaded guilty to breach of a non-molestation order. He was made subject to a curfew between 7 pm and 7 am for 12 weeks and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

After he was sentenced Pilkington said he was being punished for wanting to be a father.

"Perhaps I should just turn my back and ignore my son," he said. "It is absolutely disgusting. I hope you are all proud of yourselves, it's a joke."

Earlier Graeme Parkinson, defending, said emotions were running high because Pilkington had not seen his son for some time.

"This meeting was not planned, they just happened to be in the same store at the same time," said Mr Parkinson.

"He was placid and good mannered and asked if he could speak to her. She blanked him and then said if he didn't leave her alone she would call the police."