A man who breached a restraining order by repeatedly contacting his ex-partner was branded an “abusive misogynist” by a district judge.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Louis Lockett used contact with his child as a reason for contacting his ex, but then started talking about her dating someone else between October 31, 2023, and January 18.

Lockett, 33, of Water Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete the Building Better Relationships course and given 100 hours unpaid work.

He was made subject to a restraining for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said Lockett had breached the restraining order shortly after it was imposed.

“You used the excuse of arranging child contact,” said District Judge Preston.

“I have viewed the messages you sent and they were abusive on multiple occasions.

"You have a long history of harassing people, committing violent offences and breaching court orders.

“The Probation Service need to do some serious work with you around your attitude to women. You are an abusive misogynist,” she added.

Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said Lockett had made contact with his ex-partner shortly after the restraining order was made.

“He saw her in person in the town centre and approached and asked if he could see his son,” said Miss Mills.

“She was shocked he had approached her but she was with her children at the time and didn’t want any friction.”

Miss Mills said unfortunately this gave the defendant encouragement that he could contact her.

“The contact continued but went beyond discussing child contact,” said Miss Mills.

He started talking about her dating and called her unsavoury names. She told him that if he continued she would contact the police and that is what she did.

Lockett, who was not represented, said he had made a big mistake and was sorry.