A KINGS Worthy man has narrowly escaped a prison sentence for coercive behaviour against a woman.

Cameron Alexander Harper, 24, of The Dell, Kings Worthy, had initially denied the offence which happened in Andover between October 1 2018 and March 9 2019.

But he was convicted after a trial at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

Magistrates jailed him for 26 weeks but suspended it for two years.

The magistrates said it was a serious offence and there has been a history on non-compliance with previous court orders.

The Bench also imposed a community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to 35 days as well as a restraining order not to contact the woman and a child except under certain legal conditions.

Harper must also pay a £115 victim surcharge and £620 costs.