A MAN with a history of domestic violence has been jailed for a campaign of harassment against his latest former partner.

Matthew Waller ignored a non-molestation order granted by a court and contacted his ex-girlfriend dozens of times a day.

The order was made after his 18-month "on-off" relationship with the woman ended last August, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Paul Abrahams told the court yesterday: "After that, the victim was contacted on a daily basis by the defendant.

"There were 50 to 60 calls to her landline and mobile, and 30 texts a day. She did reply to the texts, but she says that was merely to placate the defendant."

The court heard that among 30-year-old Waller's 31 previous offences, there are crimes against three former partners.

In 2003, he got a community punishment order for repeatedly phoning and visiting the home of an ex following a break-up.

The other two offences involved him sending a barrage of text messages to two former girlfriends - putting one in fear of violence.

Mr Abrahams said: "The series of messages clearly forms a pattern of how the defendant conducts himself after relationships."

When he was still with his latest girlfriend, Waller assaulted her with a shower curtain pole when she was in the bath.

Mr Abrahams said he also punched her in the face following a row about her working behind a bar, and calling her a slut.

Duncan McReddie, mitigating, said Waller maintained the contact between him and his most recent partner was two-way.

He accepted he had displayed "a pattern of behaviour" but said a community order with requirements would help him.

"Your Honour may feel there is something in place like supervision with reformative work," he told Recorder Michael Slater.

The judge imposed an indefinite restraining order which bans Waller from contacting the woman or going near her home.

Waller, of Wembley Way, Stockton, was also jailed for ten months after he admitted harassment and breaching a non-molestation order.

Mr Recorder Slater warned him that he could be jailed for up to five years if he flouts the restraining order.

"You maintain that the contact was consensual, she says it was placatory," he said. "I can't decide between the two of you.

"I am satisfied the relationship is over, but to ensure it remains so in your head, I am imposing the restraining order."