A BARROW cage fighter has been given a restraining order banning him from contacting his ex.

Leigh O’Donnell, who goes by the name The Axe Murderer in Mixed Martial Arts fights, shoved a female police officer to the ground during an incident involving his former partner.

The 33-year-old, of Barton Street, denied assaulting his ex-girlfriend Zoe Barnard and unlawfully entering her home and went to trial at Preston Crown Court last week.

He had pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Emma Mullan on June 30 of last year and obstructing PC Mullan in the execution of her duties.

PC Mullan had attended a 999 call about an allegation of assault by the defendant’s ex-partner Miss Barnard.

When the officer arrived at Miss Barnard’s home O’Donnell pushed the police officer who fell to the floor and hit her head on the road, the court heard.

O’Donnell was found not guilty of assaulting Miss Barnard but the judge issued him with a restraining order after finding he was a threat to Miss Barnard.

After acquittal a court has the power to grant a restraining order under Section 5A of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.

Section 5A was introduced to deal with those cases where there is clear evidence that the victim needs protection, but there is insufficient evidence to convict on the particular charges before the court.

It is still open to the victim to seek a non-molestation order or injunction from a civil court.

However, this more proactive approach on the part of the courts using section 5A is seen as not only avoiding delay and increased costs to the legal aid budget, but also providing a more seamless process of providing protection to victims.

O’Donnell was given a five-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He was also told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and pay a victim surcharge.

After the sentencing Miss Barnard, a mum-of-three from Barrow, welcomed the restraining order.

“I’m relieved that the judge recognised that Leigh is a violent thug who is a threat to me and I just hope he now leaves me alone and lets me get on with my life,” the 29-year-old said.

“It was a scary experience having to give evidence but I hope this sends out the message to other victims of domestic violence that, although we didn’t get the conviction, the courts can still take steps to protect someone who is at risk and vulnerable.”

A police spokesman said: “Our officers and staff work incredibly hard to keep people in Cumbria safe and there is absolutely no excuse for any of them to be assaulted.

“When investigating an assault, including those on police officers, the constabulary will always seek to work in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine the appropriate charges.”