A WINCHESTER man has narrowly avoided prison after admitting making dozens of nuisance phone calls.

Michael Edward Eames, 23, of Jewry Street, admitted calling the emergency services 39 times on April 30.

The offences happened whilst Eames was bound by a restraining order.

Magistrates in Basingstoke jailed him for 16 weeks but suspended it for 12 months.

The court heard he had only recently been released from prison after serving time for similar offending.

Eames was also ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.