A TEBAY man has been sentenced for harassing a woman by sending her dozens of unwanted messages.

Timothy Willan, 41, originally denied wrongdoing but he pleaded guilty to harassment without violence and a second offence when he appeared at Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court.

The second offence involved him threatening to disclose private photos to distress the victim. Prosecutor George Shelley outlined the extent of the harassment, which continued eight days and included the defendant sending the woman:

* 63 Whatsapp messages

* 28 Facebook messages

* And 108 text messages.

He originally denied any wrongdoing but then changed his plea to guilty. Mr Shelley said the defendant continued to contact the women, despite her telling him not to. He later admitted that he regretted his actions.

After considering a background report on the defendant, who lives at Whinfell Terrace, Tebay, magistrates imposed a community order with 240 hours of unpaid work.

Magistrates also approved a restraining order which bans the defendant from contacting the victim or going within 300 metres of her home. This will last until January, 2023.

The defendant must pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.