A CLEATOR Moor man has been banned from contacting a woman by a 28-day domestic violence protection order.

Magistrates approved the order after hearing legal submissions from Cumbria Constabulary at Carlisle’s Rickergate court relating to the alleged behaviour of 45-year-old Andrew Smith.

The defendant, of High Street, Cleator Moor, was not in court for the application.

The order bans the defendant from contacting the woman throughout the 28 days – the maximum period; and nor is he allowed to go within100 metres of Ennerdale Terrace in Whitehaven under the terms of the order.

Such orders – which are not criminal convictions – are made when a court deems that the defendant has subjected the protected person to violence or the threat of violence.

The idea is to give the parties involved “breathing space” to make alternative living arrangements. Breaching such an order is a criminal offence.