A WOMAN who was being harassed by her former partner told the police he sent her “vile and condescending messages.”

At Carlisle’s Rickergate court, 67-year-old David Hood pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment without violence, having committed the offence between April 19 and 24. The offence was outlined for magistrates as Carlisle’s Rickergate Court.

Prosecutor George Shelley said Hood and the victim had been in an “on-off” relationship for four or five years but matters came to a head on the morning of April 19.

The woman made a 999 call at 9.30am, explaining that Hood was “kicking off” and shouting and swearing within her property in Denton Holme, Carlisle.

She asked the police to remove him, saying Hood was being "verbally aggressive".

“Officers separated both parties and removed Mr Hood,” said Mr Shelley. Hood was taken to his Collingwood Street home, but at 7pm that day, the woman contacted the police again, reporting that he had been persistently messaging her.

He had arrived at her property and left her feeling intimidated, said the woman. Already suffering with her mental health, she feared Hood would return and cause more trouble.

“She took screen shots of the messages he sent her, describing them as being of a vile nature and very condescending, personal attacks,” continued Mr Shelley.

While an officer was at her home, investigating the harassment, Hood turned up and was duly arrested.

The court heard that Hood had 23 offences on his record, the most recent crime being his possession in December last year of a class B drug.

Mark Shepherd, defending, told magistrates: “This is a man who can remain abstinent from offending, often for a very long time; and he can remain abstinent from offending if he can remain abstinent from alcohol.”

The harassment happened as the relationship between Hood and the victim was breaking down but both parties now agreed the relationship was “completely over.” 

Mr Shepherd added that, a little over a year ago, the defendant had buried his son and, said Mr Shepherd, some of the defendant’s son’s property was at the victim’s home and he wanted it back.

“It’s very, very important that this is addressed,” added Mr Shepherd.

Magistrates imposed a one-year community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity days and a 120-day monitored alcohol abstinence requirement.

Hood must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Magistrates also imposed a one-year restraining order banning contact with the victim. He can not go to the woman’s street except to collect his property accompanied by a police officer.