Kershaw jailed for order breach

Kershaw had pleaded guilty

DJ Andy Kershaw has been jailed for three months for breaking a restraining order involving his ex-partner.

The 48-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offence at the High Bailiff's Court in Douglas on the Isle of Man.

The breach of the order, which bans him from seeing Juliette Banner, took place in Peel on the island in November.

Passing sentence on Tuesday, High Bailiff Michael Moyle told the Radio 3 DJ that he seemed "hell-bent" on destroying himself.

Rochdale-born Kershaw, of Shore Road, Peel, and Miss Banner have two children, a ten-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter.

The court heard that the root of the problem was a dispute over the children.

You do not seem to appreciate that the author of your destruction is yourself High Bailiff Michael Moyle

Miss Banner had described the DJ as "menacing and provocative" when he approached her and her new partner Jim Imrie, at Peel Breakwater in November.

At an earlier hearing, the court heard how Kershaw was "hyper" as he walked up to Miss Banner and Mr Imrie.

He glared at them, before circling them and walking "in front of them backwards", the court was told.

Kershaw also admitted sending text messages "of an abusing nature" aimed at the couple to his children.

Passing sentence, High Bailiff Michael Moyle said Kershaw's life was turning into a "Greek tragedy".

He added: "You seem hell-bent on destroying yourself and you do not seem to appreciate that the author of your destruction is yourself."

Mr Moyle told Kershaw that Miss Banner and Mr Imrie were "entitled to be protected from your unlawful activities".

He continued: "I regret that I feel I have no obligation other than to impose custody."

'Humiliating situation'

Mr Moyle also ordered the restraining order preventing Kershaw from approaching Miss Banner and Mr Imrie to remain in place.

Nigel Cordwell, defending, had earlier told the court that Kershaw would accept a decision to imprison him "stoically".

He added: "It is devastating to Mr Kershaw that he finds himself in this humiliating situation."

Mr Cordwell said Kershaw was trying to fight a dependence on alcohol, and had been abstinent for some time.

Kershaw had been given a three-month suspended sentence in October at the same court for harassing Miss Banner.

A former BBC Radio 1 DJ, Kershaw most recently hosted a Radio 3 world music programme, which is currently off-air.