A homeless 35-year-old man has gone on trial accused of breaching a lifetime restraining order banning him from having any contact with a teenage girl or her family.

The banning order was imposed on James Edmundson back in 2002 and a jury at Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that he had already been convicted of four previous breaches.

Under new legislation which allows the prosecution to tell jurors about defendant's previous convictions the court heard that Edmundson was convicted of breaches in July 2003, October 2003 and November last year.

The latest offences are alleged to have taken place in February when the teenager, now aged 17, was shopping with a friend in the city centre.

The complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, gave evidence yesterday via a television link and she told the court how she had spotted Edmundson near a mobile phone shop in the Kirkgate centre.

The teenager said Edmundson was carrying a plastic bag and alleged that he said to her: "I've bought you this phone so I can keep in touch with you."

The girl said she told Edmundson she didn't want his gifts and walked off.

But she alleged that Edmundson, formerly of Wedgemoor Close, Wyke, followed her as she went into nearby shops and stood staring at her.

Eventually the upset teenager reported the incidents to police.

Edmundson, who has denied two allegations of breaching the restraining order, was arrested by police at the Salvation Army Hostel in Leeds Road a few days later, but he made no reply to any questions during his interview.

After the prosecution case ended yesterday Edmundson's barrister Neil Clark said his client had indicated he did not want to give evidence and after Recorder Graham Hyland QC confirmed that position with Edmundson the case was adjourned until today when the jury is expected to retire to consider its verdicts.