A WIRRAL man has been jailed for breaching a restraining order after persuading his ex-girlfriend to do his washing. 

Eric Fogg, 52, of Pemrith Street, Birkenhead, was handed a new ten-year restraining order on December 2, 2021, which banned him from contacting his former partner or entering her address on Breck Road in Wallasey after he previously breached an earlier restraining order against him.

Fogg was brought back before Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday, November 21) for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to harassment and breach of a restraining order.

Derek Jones, prosecuting, told the court how on October 20, 2024, Fogg breached the restraining order when he entered the victim’s apartment after he “constantly” messaged her and left voicemails on her phone.

The pair had previously been in a ten year relationship.

In a statement, she said she “felt sorry for him” and “could not let him struggle” as she had been doing his washing for him.

Mr Jones said: “He would constantly message her and play on that.

“She had had enough and on October 20 she told him to come to her address because she had clothes for him

“When he arrived he was drunk and she was concerned about his behaviour.

“He then became verbally aggressive and said nasty things to her.”

The court also heard how she described not feeling safe and to get him to leave she asked him to go to the shop to buy them cigarettes.

When he agreed and left, she rang the police.

Mr Jones added: “When he returned, he started shouting ‘let me in’ outside her window and ringing up to her flat.

“She ignored him and when police arrived the defendant walked off. He was arrested nearby a short time later and was found to have a small bag of cannabis on him for personal use.”

When Fogg was interviewed he answered 'no comment'.

Mr Jones said that Fogg has 67 previous convictions for105 offences and 16 previous court breaches, including restraining order breaches. He also informed the court that his late mother also had a restraining order against him

Mr Jones said: “He has previous situations where he has become aggressive shouting and screaming and demanding money and a history of disobedience with court orders.

“He repeatedly rang her and sent dozens of messages on her phone calling her until she relented. The victim said she wasn’t feeling safe and that she had had enough.”

John Weate, defending, said: “I do not seek to criticise the complainant as the defendant describes her as a lovely lady and has deep feelings for her.

“She has gone out of her way to assist him he had the same type of relationship with his mother where she helped him through times of crisis helping him with food and clothes.

“He lost his mum this year and the route of his problem is drinking. He drinks excessively, he’s lived rough and stayed with friends and family.

“He very much regrets that he finds himself in custody again. He has problems filling in forms and after his mum passed he got suspended from benefits.

“He is disappointed to find himself in his position.

“He also has spent five weeks in hospital over this year with sepsis and his leg is in a terrible condition. He needs proper medical treatment.

“He understands what the restraining order is but there were mixed messages when help was offered to him.

“His record doesn’t help him - he understands that the background of his life has led to these convictions.”

Sentencing, Judge Gary Woodhall, said: “You were subject to a ten year restraining order which prohibited you from contacting the victim and visiting her address in Wallasey.

“A second restraining order was issued to the same victim.

“She clearly feels sorry for you and you have abused that. You contacted her constantly and rang her persistently causing her to relent.

“She told you to come round to collect clothing items but she was concerned and didn’t feel safe in her own home. You relented and tried to seek entry.

“You are 52 years old with 67 convictions for 105 offences. You have a terrible criminal record with multiple breaches of court orders which have been imposed against you to protect people.

“You’re not seeking to persuade me it can be dealt with outside of a custodial sentence

“You have been abusing the empathy and sympathy your partner has shown you. Until you address that problem you are going to keep breaking the law. It's disappointing and sad.”

Fogg was sentenced to ten months in prison of which he will serve at least half.