A FIFTY-year-old man has been given a restraining order and fined after admitting a 14-month campaign of homophobic abuse against his own son.

Paul Roden, of Heath Gardens, Hindley Green, pleaded guilty to pursuing a course of conduct between September 2015 and this November which amounted to harassment of his son.

The charge stated that Roden ought to have known that his behaviour amounted to harassment of the 21-year-old in that he 'continually embarked on a homophobic hate campaign'.

He was sentenced at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after admitting the charge to magistrates last month.

The court found that the offence was aggravated by hostility based on the sexual orientation, or presumed sexual orientation, of the victim.

Roden was handed a community order and a restraining order preventing him from contacting his son.

He was also fined £110, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and prosecution costs of £85.

After the sentencing Cllr Joanne Platt, cabinet member for children and young people at Wigan Council, said: “It is heartbreaking to hear stories about people suffering prejudice because of their sexuality.

"Everyone has the right to live a safe and happy life free from homophobia and we are determined to help everyone feel accepted and welcome in the borough.

"Judging and abusing someone because of their sexuality is completely unacceptable.

“It is vital that victims of bullying know that people are on their side and that they can get support from their families, school, college or work to prevent it from happening again."