A mentally ill man who made a woman's life a misery despite being banned from contacting her for several years has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Thomas Prodger sent the woman a number of unsolicited messages on Facebook telling her he wanted to meet up with her and ‘he wanted her’.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 37-year-old was issued with a restraining order in October 2016 and had previously been locked up for breaching the order in April 2018.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said the victim had received no contact from him again until November 10 last year when the defendant used social media to message her.

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In a victim impact statement, the woman said she had been stalked by the defendant for six years on and off.

Reading from her statement, Mr Dryden said: “She can no longer live the life she wants to live because she doesn’t know where he is. She is seriously fearful that he will harm her.”

Prodger, of Victoria Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to one charge of breaching a restraining order.

Philip Morley, mitigating, said his client was now receiving treatment for his mental health condition and was working on his use of alcohol and cannabis to self-medicate.

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Judge Jonathan Carroll sentenced Prodger to 12months in custody but suspended it for two years as he warned him that any further breaches would result in an immediate prison sentence.

He added: “You have been bothering that woman for an extensive period of time, she does not want your attention and you are well aware of that.

“She is entitled to live her life in peace and security.”

Prodger was also ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and take part in a drug rehabilitation requirement course for 12-months.

His indefinite restraining order remains in place.