THE rift that developed between Christopher Loftus and his domestic and business partner did not lead to a distant separation.

Blackburn magistrates heard that following the fall-out Loftus moved into a caravan parked on the drive of the couple's house in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn.

And police were called when Loftus went knocking on her door after drinking.

Loftus, 32, of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £100 to keep the peace for 12 months.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said that when police arrived, following a complaint from the woman of the house, Loftus had left. When the officers were passing half an hour later they saw there was no car on the drive and then 10 minutes later, received another call from the woman. This time they found a car in the driveway and the woman said her ex-partner was in the caravan.

"He came out of the caravan in a dishevelled state and he was clearly drunk," said Mr Snape. "The officer asked him to provide a specimen of breath but he refused saying he had not been driving."

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Loftus had lived at the address until he and his partner fell out. They had been together for five years, living together and running a business.

When they split he had nowhere to live and had been staying in the caravan parked on the driveway. "On the night of this incident he had a bit to drink and had knocked on the door and asked if he could be allowed in the house," said Mr Blacklidge. "This was refused and he admits that his behaviour was not the best."

He said Loftus had gone to the caravan and, as far as he was concerned, that was the end of it.

"When the police arrived he accepts that his behaviour was not acceptable," said Mr Blacklidge, who said his client was not working at the moment because he is not allowed to return to the business premises.