A FATHER has admitted breaching a restraining order not to approach his former partner by sending her Facebook messages.

Stephen Matthew Jones, 37, was said to have been concerned over child contact after he received notification to attend family court proceedings.

Jones, of Rhosddu Road in Wrexham, sent Andrea Roberts messages on Facebook on February 23 from the account of another name he used.

He was said to have written the messages when drunk and could not believe what he had done when he sobered up the following day.

In one message he asked: "Why are you taking me to court? I love the children. You have done it now."

He said she would be jealous of him because he and his new partner were happy.

In another message he said: "Don't break my heart – I will always love you."

Prosecutor Justin Espie told North East Wales Magistrates Court that the victim contacted her solicitor, a woman's aid worker and then the police to make a formal complaint.

Arrested, Jones admitted what he had done.

Christie Ankers-Phillips, defending, said Jones knew he should not have done it.

He received papers over family court proceedings and that was what triggered him to contact her.

The Mold court heard Jones had difficulties with alcohol and had been in touch with Cais Empowering Change. As a result cognitive therapy was being organised.

Jones had moved from Liverpool to be closer to the children, had a new partner who was supporting him in court and he lived alone in a flat.

Probation officer Andrew Connah said Jones fully understood there was no excuse for his behaviour.

The messages were sent when he was under the influence of alcohol.

He woke up in the morning and asked himself: "What the Hell have I done?"

The court heard Jones was a qualified painter and decorator but he had not worked for three years because of alcohol issues.

He had been signed off sick since January last year as a result of his alcohol addiction.

Jones had received counselling and through his doctor had the help of a home detox programme. He had struggled at first but was now feeling a lot better.

Jones was placed on an 18 month community order with rehabilitation and he was sent on a 'building better relationships' course run by the probation service.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 surcharge and magistrates told him it was imperative that he co-operated with the order and the people who were trying to help him.