A court has banned a 25-year-old man from contacting his former girlfriend for 28 days after hearing that he threatened to burn down her house.

Magistrates in Carlisle approved a domestic violence protection order (DVPO) in response to an application from detectives who presented evidence to prove Longtown man Alexander Scott subjected his partner to threats and violence.

In court, Detective Constable Kathryn Smyth said Mr Scott was in a six month relationship with Clare Parrinder until six weeks ago. She supported the police application.

Police were aware of five domestic incidents involving Mr Scott over the last six months, and since 2011 he had featured in 19 domestic violence reports – including an assault on his father in 2014.

Describing recent incidents involving him and Miss Parrinder, DC Smyth outlined a disturbance outside the care home where Miss Parrinder works.

Staff called police on August 18 to say Mr Scott was outside, heavily intoxicated, and being verbally abusive. Miss Parrinder declined to make a complaint.

Two days later, said DC Smyth, Miss Parrinder called police to say Mr Scott was yelling through the letter box of her Harraby home, and he refused to leave.

By the time police arrived Scott was gone.

In a conversation with the officers, Miss Parrinder suggested Mr Scott had pinned her to the floor and strangled her. Though he was reported for assault causing actual bodily harm, Miss Parrinder again refused to support a prosecution.

The police officer outlined threats which Mr Scott was accused of issuing through text messages to Miss Parrinder on August 29.

She told police his messages included a threat to burn down her house if she had anybody else round. He also told Miss Parrinder he would send drug addicts round, said the officer.

He was arrested for making threats to kill and threatening to cause criminal damage and yet again Miss Parrinder declined to make a statement.

"We also had a call anonymously at the start of their relationship back in March expressing concern for Miss Parrinder's welfare,” said the officer.

“The caller said Miss Parrinder was in a relationship with Mr Scott and was concerned that he had an extensive history of domestic violence with ex-partners and had convictions for such.”

Magistrates heard that Mr Scott, of Esk Street, Longtown, has 35 offences on his criminal record, three being offences against the person. His record also includes thefts, drug offences, and possessing an offensive weapon.

DC Smyth said Miss Parrinder was a vulnerable victim.

Asked to comment on the police application, Mr Scott said he did not oppose the order and had no intention to contacting Miss Parrinder except through a solicitor.

Courts can impose DVPOs after ruling that the person identified, on the balance of probabilities, does pose a risk of violence or has been guilty of violence, to the person who they say needs to be protected.

Magistrates told Mr Scott that did think he had been violent, or had threatened violence, towards Miss Parrinder and that the order was necessary and proportionate. It will remain in force for 28 days, until midnight on September 28.

He was told that if he flouts the DVPO he is likely to be jailed.