A MAN who was subject to a non-molestation order gave police a false name when they saw him in the company of the female the order was meant to protect.

Blackburn magistrates heard Liam Gibbons also gave a false name for the female before they both “came clean” and admitted who they were.

Gibbons, 40, of Straight Mile Court, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breach of a non-molestation order. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £22.

Sazeeda Ismail, prosecuting, said officers were driving along Queen Victoria Road in the early hours when they saw a couple in a doorway and stopped to speak to them.

Gibbons gave false names for both of them but when they spoke to the female she gave her correct name and confirmed there was a non-molestation order in her favour which prevented Gibbons having any contact with her.

Gareth Price, defending, said the circumstances that led to the decision to be in her company limited the seriousness of the offence.

“It may even be close to a reasonable excuse,” said Mr Price.

He said the female, who had drink, drug and mental health issues, had turned up at Gibbon's house in the early hours of the morning wanting to talk.

“He initially told her to go away but she said she was very low and giving up on life,” said Mr Price. “Rightly or wrongly he made the decision to spend some time with her and they went for a walk.

“There is no suggestion of any offences, no distress to the female, in fact she tried to persuade the police not to take him into custody,” added Mr Price.