A Gateshead man released early from jail has lost his freedom after visiting his ex-partner’s home - and snapping her bank card.
Scott Duncan, 27, is expected to be behind bars until December 2023 after he committed the fresh offences while on licence – and being recalled to prison.
Duncan was jailed for 64 months in August 2019 for a grievous bodily harm attack, magistrates in South Tyneside heard.
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He was released in April, on condition he abides by specific conditions and works with the Probation Service.
But Duncan, of the Hotel Express in Cuthbert Street, Sunniside, Gateshead, breached them twice in one go on August 7..
Prosecutor Ben Woodward said the defendant visited his former partner's home in Monkton Avenue, South Shields.
He did so against the terms of an indefinite, court imposed restraining order – and while there, he took and damaged her bank card.
Probation Service chiefs confirmed to the court they will now recall him to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Mr Woodward said: “They’ve been in an on-off relationship for several years and have a child together.
“He was present at her property, and he took her bank card, when a restraining order had been made that prohibits any form of contact with her.
“He admits breaching that restraining order by being at her home, and to bank card theft.”
Val Bell, defending, said Duncan admitted breaching the restraining order on the basis she had invited him to her property.
She added: “They have been in a relationship that is on-and-off for some years, they have a young son.
“He was invited to attend the address to see their son. He knew that even on her invitation he was not supposed to be there.
“They had a slight verbal disagreement. He took her bank card and snapped it and threw it away because he knew it would annoy her.”
Ms Bell said Duncan had fully complied with the terms of his release until that point, but added: “Clearly there has been a breach.
“He will be recalled. He will be recalled until December 2023. He is not going to be released for a considerable period of time.”
Duncan, who the court heard owes over £5,500 in fines and other criminal case costs, also pleaded guilty to a charge of theft.
For that and the admitted breach, magistrates sentenced him to a three-month conditional discharge, with a £22 victim surcharge.
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