A MAN called his ex-partner hundreds of times a day as well as turning up at her home and work after they broke up.
Jamie Ellis (25) of Queen Gardens, Fordingbridge, admitted harassment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm after incidents in March 2023.
Prosecutor Keely Harvey explained Ellis and his partner had been out for the evening, and she told him she was ending their relationship as she drove them home.
Southampton Crown Court
She said: “The defendant did not take it well and became angry. He kicked at the glove box, breaking it. He was flailing his arms around and hit her in her right eye, which caused a small bruise.”
Later that evening he began bombarding the victim with messages, with one saying: “Is that how you’re going to be? Just you wait.”
This was followed the next day by one which read: “You wait until I f****** see you, you’re f*****”.
Southampton Crown Court
For around a week Ellis made between 100 and 200 calls daily to his former partner, the court heard. He also stood at the end of her street, staring towards her house and followed her near where she worked.
His behaviour left his former girlfriend frightened, the court heard, and she no longer went out alone.
“I am scared of seeing him and I avoid certain shops where I might see him,” she said in a statement.
CCTV had been installed at her home, she explained, adding: “My family are scared for me and my safety.”
In interview, Ellis was silent when questioned by officers but added he accepted the relationship was “done”.
Defending, Shona Probert said she had been asked to convey Ellis’s “sincere remorse”, adding: “He understands it was not the correct way to behave. It was immature and a completely unacceptable reaction to an emotional situation.”
Judge Nicholas Rowland handed him a two-year community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work, and a restraining order for two years. He must also pay £2,000 compensation to the victim.