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Man arrested after allegedly violating restraining order with Google Plus invitation

BEVERLY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A Beverly man is accused of violating a restraining order after his Google Plus account sent what is being described as an automated invitation to his former girlfriend.

Gagnon's attorney said that his client has no idea how his ex-girlfriend got the invitation. The couple split after Gagnon proposed with a $4,000 engagement ring.

While in court Wednesday, a judge admitted that he was unaware of how Google's invitations were sent, but he set Gagnon's bail at $500 and ordered him to stay away from the woman's home and honor the restraining order taken out in December.

Gagnon, 32, was arrested days after the restraining order was filed when his former girlfriend went to the police station with a copy of the Google Plus invitation and restraining order. Police believed that the invitation violated the order and obtained an arrest warrant.

Gagnon's attorney called the complaint unfounded. He said that, unlike Facebook which requires users to choose friends, Google can send an invitation to anyone users had once contacted, without permission.

A status hearing is set for Feb. 6.