A woman former partner has been given a suspended jail sentence after he repeatedly flouted a court order banning him from contacting her.

A district judge at Carlisle's Rickergate magistrates' court heard how David Johnathan Bailey, 37, sent his ex-partner a series of late-night text messages, including one that threatened her new partner.

The defendant, of Stricklandgate, Penrith, admitted the five restraining order breaches.

Prosecutor John Moran outlined how Bailey committed all five offences on April 23, when he was drinking with friends.

“It was about the victim being involved in a new relationship,” said Mr Moran.

“She started to receive text messages from him at 10.12pm on April 22 and they start by mentioning the new relationship. The victim accepts she texted him back, trying to explain that she's in a new relationship and trying to move on.

“But she said that it is hard because she's had 17 years of being controlled by the defendant.”

Though Bailey's first message asked the woman whether she was okay, subsequent ones were more threatening, said Mr Moran.

“Both barrels,” was the chilling message in one message.

In another the defendant said: “You better phone me back tonight or [her partner] will get it.”

The messages left the woman upset, said Mr Moran.

The lawyer explained that the restraining order was imposed by the court on March 21 after he assaulted her, said Mr Moran.

Mark Shepherd, for Bailey, said he did not appreciate the entirety of his relationship with the woman being described by the single word “controlling.” He was jealous of the new partner but he also wished his former partner happiness, said the lawyer.

Mr Shepherd went on to outline how the defendant could not recall sending the messages – and this was the result not only of the alcohol he consumed that night, but also the effect on his memory of having had meningitis.

The condition had also affected his hearing, the court heard.

“He's coming to terms with what is his new life,” said Mr Shepherd.

District Judge Gerald Chalk said the way in which the defendant's guilty pleas were entered, just before his trial for the breaches was due to start and in response to strong advice from his lawyer, did not reassure him.

He imposed 90 days jail, but suspended the sentence for two years.

The judge also imposed an eight week 8pm to 6am curfew, with a requirement that he takes building better relationships course, and complete 30 days of rehabilitation. Bailey must also pay £300 prosecution costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Addressing the defendant direct about the continuing restraining order, the judge added: “Breach it and you're likely to go to prison.”

The restraining order imposed in March lasts until 2018.