AN Ilminster man who had been living with his wife for the past four months despite being ordered by the courts to keep away from her denied breaching a non-molestation order.

Daniel Christian Shelley was arrested from his home address by police and brought before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil in custody.

The 31-year-old defendant, of West Street, pleaded not guilty to a charge that on November 19 at Ilminster he did an act, namely communicated and resided with his wife which he was prohibited from doing so by a non-molestation order made on February 17 at Taunton.

Prosecutor Paul Ricketts said that following the imposition of the order in February after being convicted of an offence of battery, Shelley was approached by his wife who moved back into his address in West Street.

The police were informed and went to the address and arrested the defendant.

Defending solicitor Sam Morton said that Shelley was living at the address for six months before his wife moved back in and claimed she had told him she had written to the court and the order had been lifted.

He also said the defendant was given legal advice from a solicitor saying it was ok for his wife to move back in as it had been on her instigation.

A review of the case was conducted and the magistrates ordered Shelley to stand trial before the court at Yeovil on January 8 and until then released him on unconditional bail.