AN ALCOHOLIC who has breached a restraining order twice in as many weeks has been sent to prison for 12 weeks.

Kevin Nixon, 26, of no fixed abode, appeared before North Devon Magistrates' Court on Monday for being in breach of a restraining order banning him from going to Union Road in Bideford, where his mother lives.

This order was imposed on January 9. He appeared before the court on February 6 for his first breach and less than a week later he was arrested for a second breach. Nixon pleaded guilty to both counts.

His defence solicitor, Tony Dart, said his client had been unable to get into the friend's house he has been staying in on Saturday night and started drinking.

Mr Dart added: "He still sees his mum — his restraining order only prevents him from entering her road because of the disturbance he causes when he is drunk.

"On Saturday night he thought in his drunk state as he couldn't get into his friend's house he would go and knock on his mum's door soon after midnight." The police then arrived and arrested him.

Mr Dart added: "My client is dependent on alcohol. The fact he is back here is a true disappointment to himself, me and others. He has been alcoholic since he was 15 and is dependent on it in an increasing amount."

Magistrate Susan Poxon said: "When coming to our decision it hasn't given us any pleasure. You will be going to prison for a total of 12 weeks. Where you are going you will be offered help and you need to use it. You are only young."