AFTER breaching a court order by breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, a man has avoided a jail sentence.

Daniel Grant, of Piers Row, Deddington, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday (July 24) for one count of breaching a non-molestation order, two months after it was first imposed.

The 38-year-old denied the breach which was carried out by him hopping over his ex-partner's garden fence and breaking into her home in April 2021.

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He was found guilty of this offence after a trial at the same court.

Grant was also charged with one count each of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault by beating, possession of a bladed article and two counts of breaching a non-molestation order – all of which he denied.

He was accused of controlling his former partner by forcing her to come off her mental health medication, choosing what she ate despite a food intolerance, checking her phone, accusing her of cheating and criticising the way she looked.

However, a jury acquitted him of all these counts on May 3.

They also could not reach a verdict on the possession of a bladed article count so were dismissed on this charge.

He was also charged with one count of sexual assault but this was dismissed halfway through the trial after the prosecution formally offered no evidence.

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During his sentencing, it was heard that Grant has previous convictions but the last took place in 2011.

Defending Grant, his barrister explained that his client still maintains his innocence and denies the breach.

However, it was noted that he hasn’t seen or tried to contact the victim since the breach in 2011.

The court heard that Grant is unemployed due to the trial proceedings but has aspirations of returning to work.

He is also a carer for both of his parents.

Sentencing Grant to a community order, Judge Maria Lamb said: “You disobeyed [a court order] and whether you admit it or not, you were found guilty of going to her home.

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“It’s a terrifying experience for anyone but for someone subject to a court order to break into her home where they are entitled to full safety…this was a very serious breach of a court order and one that caused very serious distress.”

Grant was ordered to complete five rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He will also need to pay £150 in court costs.

He will also be subject to six months of electronic monitoring and a restraining order against the victim which is in put until further order.