Man hid in a cupboard to avoid order breach search

A MAN hid in a cupboard from police at his ex-partner’s home after officers came looking for him on suspicion of breaching a restraining order.

Nathan Marcus Follows had been invited to his ex’s home by her on Saturday, June 22 as the pair planned to reconcile their relationship.

However, legally he should not have been there due to a restraining order in place.

Appearing at Llanelli Magistrates Court, the bench was told this was the third breach of the order Follows had committed since it had been imposed just two months earlier on April 12 at Swansea Crown Court.

Follows, aged 31, of Biddulph Estate, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to contacting his ex Claire Andrews and being at her address in the town when police turned up.

Prosecutor Matt Henson said: “Police went to the property after a third party alerted them and Claire Andrews answered the door.

“She denied Follows was at the property, but police gained entry and carried out a search.

“Upstairs hiding in a cupboard they found the defendant.

“He was in breach of the restraining order against his former partner and when questioned by police gave no comment answers.

“He was last before the court in May for another breach of the order, this is now the third time.”

Defence solicitor Kate Williams on behalf of Fellows said: “He was there with full consent (from his ex-partner).

“A third party called police knowing he was going there, had they not known, nothing would have likely happened.”

She added: “There is in fact an application from Ms Andrews to lift the restraining order as they wish to rekindle the relationship.

“Nobody was in danger on this occasion, he was there with consent and so he is guilty of the breach and admits things could have been done differently.

“It is a technical breach as opposed to a breach through unwanted contact.”

Magistrates said the third breach showed disregard for the order despite being invited to the property.

Follows was given a six weeks prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He must also pay £115 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

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