A husband was bailed after admitting to twice breaching a domestic violence order protecting his estranged wife.

The man pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court yesterday to entering the family home late on New Year's Eve.

A temporary 28-day protection order had been granted to his wife on Christmas Eve, barring him from coming to the residence or within 100 yards of her.

However, he broke into the family home through a window on New Year's Eve, which set off an alarm that notified the Police.

The man who cannot be identified for legal reasons claimed: "I was trying to get hold of my children to speak to them but there was no answer. I was at a party, but I ended up leaving the party to go to talk to them."

The man further admitted approaching his wife and speaking to her in a Hamilton restaurant on Saturday, January 9, while she was dining with friends.

According to prosecutor Auralee Cassidy, he later went outside and stared at her through the window until the Police were called.

He claimed in court that he'd not known she'd be there. The pair have been married 17 years and have three children.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner chided: "You can't continue doing this foolishness."

However, the defendant said he's an alcoholic, and "when I drink I do stupid things". He also told the Magistrate: "I promise I will not breach this restraining order, or any other, ever again."

Mr. Warner adjourned sentencing until background reports, including an alcohol and drug assessment, have been completed. In the meantime, he warned that the original order is still in place, and imposed an additional one reinforcing that the man must stay away from his wife.

He granted him $2,000 with one surety, and ordered him back to court next month.