A MAN has been sentenced after breaking a non-molestation order and causing criminal damage at his ex-girlfriend's home.

20-year-old Tyrhys Lewis of Waundeg in Nantybwch, Wales, pleaded guilty to breaching a non-molestation order by visiting his ex-girlfriend in Hereford, and to damaging her front door, postbox and garden chairs.

The court heard that Lewis had been in a relationship with the woman from when he was 15 and she was 20, with the defence asking magistrates to take this age difference into account. He had a difficult childhood, having grown up in care.

A non-molestation order had been put in place at Worcester family court on April 7, 2021, preventing Lewis from having any contact with the woman. However, there were occasions when the pair met up despite the order.

On March 31 last year she had invited him to her home, despite the order. They had a row and she asked Lewis to leave. She later invited him back, which was when he caused damage to her property.

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The court confirmed that this order had now expired, with magistrates opting against imposing a restraining order. They said that as Lewis had moved to Wales and started a new relationship, with a baby on the way, they didn't believe there would be a risk of him seeking to contact with his ex-girlfriend again.

Lewis, who works as a delivery driver in Gwent, was charged a £40 penalty for breaching the order, but avoided a separate fine for criminal damage. He did have to pay £200 in compensation to his ex-partner, plus a victim surcharge of £16 and costs of £135.

"With the baby coming, things will be tight," said magistrates as they let him off a financial penalty for criminal damage, recognising the mitigating circumstances and his guilty plea.