A MAN who left his former partner terrified when he embarked on a campaign of stalking has been warned he faces prison if he contacts her again.

Nigel Smith bombarded his victim with hundreds of messages via social media, sent her unwanted gifts and posted pictures of her children on the internet.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 55-year-old had previous convictions for similar offences and struggled to accept the breakdown of relationships.

Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said Smith carried out his campaign of stalking between July and September last year.

She said the defendant's behaviour had a devastating impact on his former partner's life, leaving her feeling 'intimidated and anxious'.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she is now 'wary of going out alone and can't go anywhere without the fear of being watched'.

The victim said she remains scared of Smith 'as she doesn't know what he is capable of' and the harassment has left her feeling 'mentally broken' and taking medication to deal with the stress.

Miss Atkinson said Smith two previous convictions for harassment of former partners, firstly in 2008 and for a second time in 2019.

Smith, of Crowland Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty a single charge of stalking.

Tom Bennett, in mitigation, said his client had taken steps to address his behaviour and urged the judge to pass a suspended sentence.

He told the court Smith now accepts his behaviour caused fear and distress but that was not his intention.

Recorder Peter Makepeace QC sentenced Smith to 20 months in custody, suspended for two years and issued him with an indefinite restraining order after making his victim's life a 'misery' and leaving her 'mentally broken'.

He said: "You have that hanging over you for two years, if you do anything whatsoever to breach the terms of the order or the suspended sentence, you will go to prison."

Smith was also ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, put on a curfew between 7pm and 7am for six months and a trail monitoring requirement for six months.

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