Photo request lands grandad in court

Andrew Slinger sent her a message on Facebook asking if she had photographs of a racing car they were once both interested in, so he could show his son and grandson.

Slinger, 47, of Garstang Road, Pilling, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order.

He was sentenced to a 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs with £15 victims’ surcharge by District Judge David Noble sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

The judge told him: “This was clearly a one-off incident and there were no threats of violence.”

Prosecutor, Eddie Harrison, said Slinger had previously been sent to prison for an offence of harassing his former partner and in July 2008 he had been put on an indefinite restraining order which banned him from contacting his ex.

The prosecutor said: “On February 12 this year the complainant was surprised and shocked to receive a message on Facebook from the defendant.

“It stated - hope you are well.

“Do you have a picture of the racing car at Windermere so I can show my son and grandson.”

Michael Woosnam, defending, said his client had kept out of trouble for eight years and not contacted his ex.

When interviewed by police Slinger could not recall the restraining order.

Slinger had injuries to his neck and back and was suffering from a deteriorating medical condition.

He had wanted photographs to show his son and grandson.