A TEENAGER given a chance by a judge to avoid a prison sentence, breached the terms of the court order within five weeks of it being put in place.

Sentence was deferred on Kieran Manning for six months when he appeared at Durham Crown Court in August for repeated breaches of restraining orders.

Judge Jonathan Carroll gave Manning the chance to abide by the orders, with the incentive of a non-custodial sentence when the deferment expires on February 10.

The orders were issued forbidding Manning from visiting or contacting his mother or grandfather, following breaches earlier this year.

Manning, 19, formerly of Stratton Street, Spennymoor, was back at court, appearing via video link from the nearby prison, having been arrested for visiting his grandfather’s home, last week.

Jonathan Harley, prosecuting, said he was found hiding in an outhouse at the property, in Bishop Auckland.

Judge Carroll said: “He knows as clear as day that he’s restrained from going there at the moment.”

Gareth Henderson-Moore, for Manning, said the defendant was sent a message that his grandfather wanted to see him to inform him that he was suffering an illness.

Judge Carroll asked for a statement from the grandfather to confirm whether he wants the order to be maintained, plus an address available to Manning, both by September 30.