A DAD is in court after offering his daughter £5,000 to help with the cost of living crisis.
Pensioner Anthony Mitchell was prosecuted after it was discovered he had texted his daughter to make the offer.
But the message put the 73-year-old in breach of a restraining order which bans him from having any contact with her.
The order – in place until 2030 – was placed on Mitchell following a family fall out in 2018.
It also bans Mitchell from contacting "a number of" other individuals.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how in February he texted his daughter, saying "I see interest rates have gone up.
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"Things are bad and will only get worse.
"Here is £5,000 belonging to you. I never wanted it back.
"If it will help you, please take it. Please take a while to think about it before you call the police."
Prosecutor Zaine Riaz told the hearing how his daughter never responded to the message and "rightfully reported it to the police".
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After his arrest, Mitchell told cops he was worried about his daughter bringing up her own kids in the cost-of-living crisis.
But Mr Riaz stressed: "Clearly his daughter does not want any contact with him at all."
Mitchell, of Eaton Street, Northwood, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order – his first criminal conviction.
Andrew Bennett, mitigating, said he had never come across a case like it.
He explained: "Mr Mitchell originally gave his daughter a £5,000 payment which he committed to when he had paid off his mortgage.
"In 2016 there was an almighty family schism. The £5,000 was sent back.
"They went to court and this was a restraining order made on acquittal."
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Mitchell grew concerned about the impact it would have on personal finances – so he texted his daughter.
Mr Bennet added: "He effectively said, 'Have the money, I never wanted it back and it will help your family'.
"I find myself amazed that he is before the court today."
Magistrates said breaching a restraining order was "a serious matter".
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But they went beyond sentencing guidelines to hand the dad a 12-month conditional discharge meaning he won't be punished if he stays out of trouble for the next year.
Mitchell must also pay £211 in court costs and charges.
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