A WIGTON man harassed his ex-partner with "horrible" text, Facebook and Whatsapp messages, leaving her frightened and paranoid.

Christopher John Potts, 46, of Wheatsheaf Lane, initially denied the charge of harassment without violence but changed his plea to guilty before his trial began.

North and West Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Carlisle heard how he sent a large number of messages over several months last year.

He was also seen driving past her Carlisle home in different vehicles and stopping outside.

On one occasion the victim was so-worried she contacted the police, when they officers’ arrived Potts was seen hiding behind a vehicle across the road, he ran away but was later arrested by police.

A victim statement read out in court said: "I am just a shadow of my former self".

David Wales, for Potts, said he did not want to harm her and was remorseful.

Before the magistrates passed sentence he was told he was close to going to custody as this is not his first offence of harassment, and he had to alter his lifestyle.

Potts was place on an 18-month community order and given a 10-month curfew, monitored by electronic tag. He must also pay court costs of £620 plus a victim surcharge of £85.