A Newtown resident has narrowly avoided spending his Christmas and New Year in jail after breaching a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his ex-partner.

According to the Powys County Times, Andrew Tanswell, who resides at The Bank in Newtown, was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching the restraining order at Mold Magistrates' Court on December 22.

The 58-year-old admitted to sending text messages to his ex-partner on November 25 and December 15, as well as leaving a voice message on December 20.

In response to each offence, Tanswell received an eight-week prison sentence.

The restraining order, which was imposed by Welshpool Magistrates' Court on November 14, prohibits Tanswell from contacting his ex-partner and members of her family for a duration of five years.