A MAN has been fined for breaching a restraining order by driving past a house he was barred from visiting.

Phillip Wyville-Bell, 84 and now living in Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to the breach at Welshpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 29.

He was accused of driving within 100 metres of School Lane in Llangynog where he was prohibited from doing so on October 10 this year.

The restraining order was issued on April 16 this year.

The court heard that he drove past the house twice and that his victims then decided to follow him to confirm he had breached the order, before he was eventually arrested in Llanfyllin.

Wyville-Bell told police that he didn’t know he couldn’t drive through the village.

Owain Jones, defending, called for a financial penalty instead of a community order and raised concerns over the victim’s decision to follow the defendant and take a picture of his vehicle.

Mr Jones said: “The village is very small so within 100 metres is obvious. He might not have realised he had gone within 100 metres.

“He has pleaded guilty and he knows he’s done wrong but I don’t think this is a man intent on breaking his order.

“He is 85 and has moved to Yorkshire where he is caring for his 95-year-old sister.”

Magistrates fined him £80, reduced from a community order, and ordered a victim surcharge of £32 surcharge and £85 in costs to be paid.

Chair of the bench Dr Rachael Jones said: “You must comply with the restraining order. Don’t go and get the items that remain at the house and get a friend to pick them up.”