A BARROW man who bombarded his ex-partner with unwanted messages, calls and gifts has been convicted of harassment.

Michael Stuart McCann landed himself in court after he repeatedly contacted his ex-partner Kathryn Williams over the course of five months.

South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard the couple had broken up after McCann ‘assaulted’ his partner.

The 26-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to harassing her between May 5 and September 1 when he appeared in the dock.

Describing the defendant’s behaviour, prosecutor Pam Ward said: “There was an incident when he assaulted her.

“She sent him a message saying she didn’t think things could be sorted amicably and not to contact her.”

Mrs Ward said the defendant sent a number of unwanted of messages on Whatsapp, before the victim blocked him to prevent further communication.

He then called her 12 times, calling her ‘cruel’, ‘stupid’ and a ‘liar’.

“Police asked the defendant on May 16 to stop contacting her,” Mrs Ward added.

The court heard McCann then sent flowers and chocolate and then a message saying: “I’m begging you to change your mind.”

A later message said: “I’m sorry for how I’ve behaved.

“I never wanted thing to turn out like this.

"Please can we sort this out?”

In a victim impact statement read in court, the defendant described the effect McCann’s behaviour had had on her.

She said: “I have found all this incredibly distressing.

“I don’t know what he is capable of.

“I’m terrified Michael will turn up and hurt me.

“I have had problems with other members of his family.

“I just want it all to stop.”

The prosecutor asked the court to consider a restraining order to prevent further contact from McCann.

The defendant was represented in court by Michael Graham.

He told magistrates: “It’s unfortunate that matters have come to this.”

The court sentenced the defendant, of Dundee Street, to a community order.

It requires him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months.

Alongside that he was ordered to pay a £95 surcharge to fund victim services as well as £85 in costs for bringing the case to court.

He agreed to pay the court £30 a month.

The bench also imposed a two-year restraining order against her except through a solicitor.