Man smashed ex-partner's windows with a machete

Shane Woods admitted going to Stacey Williamson’s house in Ince in breach of a restraining order but said he had only gone to get a picture of his son as he knew he was about to be remanded back into custody.

Woods had been released on licence after serving some of his 16 months sentence but was recalled back to jail at HMP Forest Bank to serve the remainder after being accused of an assault.

The assault charge was then dropped but Woods, 26, will still have to complete the remainder of his sentence.

Steve Woodman, prosecuting, said: “On April 18, 2015, Mr Woods went to Miss Williamson’s house and smashed all the windows using a machete.

“In August last year he was given a 16 month prison sentence and a restraining order was granted that banned him from contacting Miss Williamson or going to her house. He was released from prison in October. On April 20, Miss Williamson was at home when she heard someone whispering to her through her letter box and realised it was Mr Woods.

“She went upstairs and told him through the bedroom window to go away but he didn’t.”

Woods, who appeared at Wigan Magistrates Court via video link, left before police officers arrived and was later charged with harassment for breaching the restraining order.

But Ged Fraser, defending, said: “Mr Woods has not seen his son since he was born and knowing that he was going to be recalled to prison he went to try and get a picture of his son. He has said that Miss Williamson did give him that picture and that they had a chat and she did not ask him to leave.”

Woods was given a 12 month conditional discharge.