A man who bombarded his former partner with hundreds of unwanted messages, on an almost daily basis, has been sentenced by magistrates.
Robert Hardon, 36, had been in a 16-year relationship with the woman — and they were married for two years — before they split earlier this year.
During the course of more than a month, Hardon sent his ex-partner a stream of unwanted messages and TikTok videos.
There were 51 messages on one day in April, and scores more four days later.
“Almost every day there are calls and videos that are sent,” said Diane Jackson, prosecuting at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning.
On March 9, Hardon’s ex-wife reported that he turned up at her address unannounced, throwing stones while outside the front of the house, and yelling verbal abuse.
Glass in the front door of the property was damaged on that date, the court heard, along with two vehicles.
This was part of Hardon’s unwanted contact with the woman, which happened between March 2 and April 11.
It also included phone calls and two visits to the house with damage having also been caused on a second date when he was reported to have completely flipped, said the prosecutor.
Hardon pleaded guilty to seven charges — one of harassment, four of criminal damage and two Bail Act offences.
Defence solicitor Sean Harkin, mitigating, said Hardon, of Buebank Road, Dalston, near Carlisle, was lightly convicted, suggesting a prior 15-year offending gap indicated there was a prospect of rehabilitation.
“He is remorseful for his actions; no doubt hearing all of that (information) would have been difficult,” said Mr Harkin of the prosecution’s outline of criminal conduct.
“He was in a difficult place at the time of his offending. The relationship of some 16 years had come to an end. That wasn’t something he wanted to happen. He hasn’t dealt with that particularly well,” said Mr Harkin.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order. Hardon must complete a rehabilitation requirement with the probation service, and 200 hours’ unpaid work. He must also pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 mandatory surcharge.
