A MAN who breached a restraining order by turning up at his ex-partner's home claimed he was planning to take his own life and went to deliver a note for his children.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Holmes looked in through the open door and saw the 10-year-old daughter of his former partner and immediately turned and left.

Shortly after he bumped into the girl's mother, who had been taking one of their children to school.

Holmes, 30, of Belfield Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £22 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the couple had three children from their relationship and she had a 10-year-old girl from a previous relationship.

As she was returning from taking one of the children to school she bumped into the defendant who said he had something to tell her.

"She said he appeared to be acting strangely and then realised her daughter was at home," said Mr Robinson.

"When she got home the girl said the defendant had been inside the house and CCTV showed him arriving at 8.56am and leaving at 8.58am. She was shocked that he had been inside her home."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said a sad sequence of events had led to the incident.

"He had made preparations to take his own life and wanted to leave a letter for his children," said Mr Taylor.

"He went to the house he used to share with his family and intended to just deliver the letter. The door was open and when he looked inside and saw the 10-year-old girl he left.

"When he saw his ex-partner he felt he had to tell her what he was planning but in the end couldn't do it."

Mr Taylor said Holmes returned home and since come to his senses.

"He contacted his father who contacted the mental health team and he is now hopefully getting the help he needs," said Mr Taylor.