A MAN who was given an indefinite restraining order against his ex-partner has appeared at court after video calling her.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard that Ryan Lee Eccles contacted his ex-partner because he wanted to see his child.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: “The defendant is subject to an indefinite restraining order imposed by Durham Crown Court on November 20 last year. He is prohibited from contacting her by any means what so ever.

“The claimant states that she and the defendant have a child together and she is still in touch with the defendant’s mother.

“On January 14 at around 4pm she received a video call from the defendant’s mother and when she accepted the call she saw the defendant’s face. She also received a number of messages from the same account.”

Eccles, of Cornwall Court, Murton, Seaham, pleaded guilty to one charged of breaching a restraining order.

David Smith, mitigating, said the 21-year-old was remanded into custody when his daughter was born and has never met her.

He added: “He was hoping to video call his daughter, who he has never met, he knows he wouldn’t get much back but he wanted to see her.”

Eccles will be sentenced at Durham Crown Court on February 20.