A Newton Aycliffe man has been fined £235 and given a 12-month restraining order for harassing his ex-girlfriend.
As reported in The Northern Echo, Mark Roberts admitted harassment without violence when he appeared at the town’s Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that, between 13th and 24th June, he phoned his ex-girlfriend and sent her messages on Facebook after she ended their six-month relationship.
David Maddison, prosecuting, said the messages were not threatening, but owing to the number, were considered harassment.
The court heard that, on one occasion, Roberts, 47, of Whinlatter Place, spoke to the woman’s father on the phone and said: “She can run, but she can’t hide.”
Sam Brewster, for Roberts, said his client met his former girlfriend while working as a doorman, and that Roberts wanted an explanation from her about why she ended the relationship.
Mr Brewster said the unemployed security expert hoped to get a job in the US soon.
Magistrates ordered Roberts to pay £235 in fines and costs and issued a restraining order banning him from contacting his ex-girlfriend or her parents for 12 months.