BBC DJ Andy Kershaw jailed for three months for flouting order to stay away from ex-partner

Andy Kershaw was jailed for three months yesterday for breaching an order forbidding contact with his ex-partner.

The Radio 3 presenter has repeatedly flouted an injunction to stay away from Juliette Banner, who is the mother of his two children.

Judge Michael Moyle told Kershaw: "You are the author of your own misfortune and this is becoming more and more like a Greek tragedy.

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

"You are going to drive a wedge between yourself and your children if you carry on in this way."

Kershaw, 48, moved to the Isle of Man with Miss Banner two years ago to make a fresh start.

But she ended their 17-year relationship when he had an affair and took to drink.

Miss Banner, 43, found a new partner, prison officer Jim Imrie, but Kershaw was unable to accept their relationship was over.

His behaviour led to a restraining order being taken out against him last August.

He ignored it and - fuelled by alcohol - repeatedly harassed the couple.

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He tried to break into Miss Banner's home and sent text messages to their children Sonny, ten, and Dolly, eight, abusing her and Mr Imrie.

Kershaw was given a three-month suspended jail sentence last October for breaching the order and Mr Moyle told him to "keep your nose clean".

But he flouted the ban again and, in the most recent incident, was seen "menacingly" carrying a pitchfork when he came across the couple near his home in Peel.

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Mr Moyle, the Isle of Man high bailiff, described the text messages as deplorable and said his warning had fallen on deaf ears.

Kershaw had been told he faced jail and arrived at court with his bags packed.

His lawyer, Nigel Cordwell, said the presenter had given up alcohol, adding: "It is devastating to him that he finds himself in this humiliating situation.

"He appears to accept the end of his long-term relationship and wants to move on.

"He has made an outstanding contribution to his chosen profession. His employer intends to support him."

Kershaw blew a kiss to his new girlfriend Catherine Turner, 42, as he was led to the cells.

He worked as a Radio 1 DJ for 15 years but lost his job in 2000. Last May, he was dropped from his Radio 3 slot, in which he had championed world music.

The BBC initially claimed he was "unwell" and would be returning this spring but yesterday a spokesman said he was "currently not under contract" with the corporation.