A WINCHESTER man unable to stop himself from phoning the police has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.

Anthony James Walters, 55, of St Johns Road, contacted the police on February 26 when prohibited by a criminal behaviour order imposed on April 15 last year.

Magistrates in Basingstoke jailed Walters for 15 weeks suspended for one year.

They said an immediate prison term was considered because Walters committed a similar offence when out of prison on licence.

No victim surcharge was imposed because of his lack of means.