A FIVE-second smile as he passed a woman in the street landed a 21-year-old Tremadog man in the dock.

Stephen Smith of Llys Garreg, was brought 40 miles to court at Llandudno accused of breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order which bans him from any contact with Elliw Haf Roberts.

The purpose, it was explained to magistrates at a Saturday hearing, was to allow “some space” in a troubled relationship.

Barrister Ryan Rothwell, for North Wales police, said an officer had spotted the two together at 8am that day through the window of a police car, and he was in sight for five seconds. He knew from previous dealings that Smith should not have been in her company.

Gwyndaf Pari, defending, said the 28-day civil order was due to expire in a few days.

Smith was walking towards Porthmadog from his home “and it was a coincidence she was walking in front of him in the same direction.”

In five seconds he didn’t talk, turned to her with a smile – and then carried on walking. Unemployed Smith, who accepted the breach, was ordered to pay £50.

Chairman Peter Hughes said: “I hope you realise it was a mistake you made, with so little time for the order to run.”