A BOURNEMOUTH man has avoided an immediate prison sentence for sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

Joseph John Mitchell, aged 29 and of Garsdale Close, Bournemouth, admitted the offence, which took place between February 16 and March 10.

Appearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on July 16, Mitchell was committed to prison for 10 weeks, suspended for 12 months.

He was issued with a restraining order not to contact a woman. The bench also ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £122 surcharge.

The defendant also admitted breaching a restraining order imposed by magistrates on April 9. He received a second sentence of 10 weeks imprisonment to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.