A COUPLE whose son drove through the gates at their farm have been given a restraining order against him.

Matthew John Hillier caused £1,000 of damage at his parent's farm in Howden-le-Wear, County Durham, in the early hours of February 10.

The 38-year-old admitted causing criminal damage during the incident which saw him drive through the secure perimeter gates at the farm before smashing a porch window so hard that the wooden frame split.

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Lesley Burgess, prosecuting, said the "irate" Hillier, of Gladstone Terrace, Binchester, then picked up a garden spade and smashed the lounge window after being challenged by his father.

Miss Burgess said Hillier admitted the damage in a police interview and told officers he had gone to his parents' house because he wanted them to make contact with his ex partner, something they refused to do.

She said his parents had also asked for a restraining order so their son could not harass them but they did still want contact.

A probation officer said Hillier had problems with mental health and drug misuse, a "poor" relationship with his parents who he is financially dependent on.

Magistrate, Lorraine Overton, gave Hillier a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and ordered him to pay an £85 victim surcharge. She imposed a restraining order for 12 months.