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DJ facing prison sentence

14/12/2007

ROCHDALE DJ Andy Kershaw has been warned he faces prison after admitting a breach of a restraining order involving his ex-partner.

The BBC radio presenter has pleaded guilty to four charges of breaking the restraining order that prohibited him from seeing Juliette Banne, the mother of his children.

Inspector Michael Musson, prosecuting, told the court at Douglas,  Isle of Man, that Miss Banner described Kershaw’s behaviour as ‘menacing and provocative’ when he approached her and her new partner, Glaswegian prison officer Jim Imrie, as they went for a coffee.

He said of Miss Banner: “She is completely at her wits’ end. She is nervous, she feels the defendant is terrorising her and her partner."

Kershaw also admitted sending text messages ‘of an abusing nature’ aimed at Miss Banner and her new boyfriend, to his two children, and being drunk and disorderly outside Peel police station on 7 November.

The BBC Radio 3 presenter also sent three text messages – breaching a restraining order – to Miss Banner.

Mr Musson said: "The content of one said that Miss Banner’s new partner was aggressive to women and children.

“Another was sent apologising and asking her not to go to police. A third text was sent in error.”

The case was adjourned for psychiatric and social inquiry reports to be prepared. The Drug and Alcohol Advisor Service will also prepare a reference on Kershaw.

High Bailiff Michael Moyle said: “Prison is a real possibility. When we meet on 15 January it might be advisable to have your bags packed.”

Mr Kershaw is the son of former Whitworth mayor Eileen Kershaw and her ex-husband, former Rochdale head Jack Kershaw.

The ex-Howarth Cross schoolboy shot to fame as a BBC Radio 1 presenter before moving on to Radio 3.