A WOMAN who sent a "polite" e-mail to her former partner asking for a copy of the divorce papers was in breach of a non-molestation order.

Blackburn magistrates heard the message sent by Nigat Riaz was perfectly reasonable and ended with please and thank you.

But the recipient claimed it had affected him psychologically and caused him to have a heart attack.

Riaz, 41, of Causeyfoot, Nelson, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order. She was fined £184 with £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said it was clear there had been no malice in the communication.

Adam Bonney, prosecuting, said the victim applied for a non-molestation order following the breakdown of the relationship. The defendant had sent him numerous e-mails and contacted his work colleagues.

"He subsequently received an e-mail from her requesting wanting a copy of her divorce papers," said Mr Bonney.

He read from the e-mail which said; "Please can I have my official divorce papers this time. It's not a proper divorce paper. I don't want any loopholes or problems in the future. Please sort this out, thank you."

"He says her ongoing contact has affected him psychologically and caused him to have a heart attack," said Mr Bonney.

Riaz, who was not represented, said she had been involved in an Islamic marriage with the aggrieved which ended after six months. She said during that time she and her family had financially assisted him and he owed her £10,000.

"I just wanted a proper divorce but he still hasn't done it and I can't get married again until he does," she said.