A man has been jailed after breaching a court order in place to protect his mother and sister.

Richard Johnson was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to breaching a restraining order and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour against two family members, who live in the Bury area. 

Niamh Ingram, prosecuting, told the court that Johnson, 34, of Olaf Street, Bolton, called his sister over Facebook Messenger in July this year, despite orders being in place for him not to contact her.

Johnson also made contact with his mother between May and July this year, causing her to leave her property.

Michael Lea, defending told the court that the defendant was now aware of the severity of the order imposing against him.

He said: “He understands that unless his mother or sister removes the order it will remain in force.”

Judge Angela Nield gave Johnson a concurrent prison sentence of 15 months for breaching the order protecting his mother and sister.

He was also ordered to take part in 20 days of rehabilitation and to undertake unpaid work in the community.

Judge Nield said: “Since August 18 you have been remanded in custody, you have managed to keep yourself out trouble in that time.

“I am anxious that you are supported in getting your life back on track.

“I give you credit for the plea you have entered.”