A FORMER lover who climbed into his ex-partner's garden before stealing her mobile phone she had stuffed in her bra has been issued with a ten-year restraining order.

Derek Randall was struggling with the break-up when he turned up at his former partner's home pleading for her to take him back.

The 37-year-old grabbed her and pulled down her top while she was sitting her rear garden on April 15 last year.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Randall demanded she hand over her mobile to stop her calling the police but she tucked it into her bra to try and stop him.

Ian West, prosecuting, said the couple had been in an on/off relationship for several years before it finally ended around Christmas 2019 but the defendant was still bombarding the victim with text messages and phone calls.

He added the defendant was demanding he was given the family Sharpei dog and her engagement ring before heading to her house.

Mr West told the court the defendant said 'I'm going to put your windows through, boot the door down, get in the house, set your car alight, and if your neighbours get involved they will get knocked out too'.

The victim called the police before he arrived as she was concerned about his threats.

The court heard said Randall arrived at her home and demanded she handed over her phone or he would 'smash her face in' before raising his arm as though to throw a punch.

Randall then grabbed the mobile phone from her bra before he fled the scene when he heard the police sirens getting closer.

The court heard how he continued to contact the woman after he was released under investigation for the first incident.

Randall, of Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to theft and two charges of harassment.

Robert Mochrie, in mitigation, said his client had now accepted the relationship was over but at the time was in the 'grip of post-relationship frustration'.

The 37-year-old was sentenced to 21 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Judge Recorder Simon Jackson QC told Randall grabbing the phone from his partner's bra would have been 'humiliating and distressing'.

He added: "Looking at you in the dock, you are an imposing man and I can see how you in an angry state would be intimidating."