A 54-year-old Peel man has been fined £500 after admitting breaching a restraining order.

Barry Phillips, of Patrick Street, was banned from contact a woman for 12 months on April 6, 2017.

However, prosecutor Richard Butters told the court how, on February 19 at 3.30pm, the woman reported that Phillips had approached her in Douglas library.

She admitted that she had spoken to him as well but said that he had touched her hand then leant towards her and tried to kiss her as she went to her car.

When arrested Phillips told police: ’I only spoke to her for half an hour and she spoke to me.’

Phillips told probation services that he had bumped into the woman in the library and she had sought him out and followed him outside.

Defence advocate Darren Taubitz said that his client had contacted the police twice himself after the woman had contacted him during the restraining order period and that she had also sat near him in pubs.

Mr Taubitz said he had been blunt with his client and advised him he should walk away if that happened.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’Regardless of who made the first overture, you know that you shouldn’t contact her.

’You’re the person that will be brought before the court.’

Phillips must also pay £125 prosecution costs.