A MAN who admitted harassing his former girlfriend was made the subject of a restraining order yesterday.

David Alec Brown, of Abbey Road, Bishop Auckland, admitted he sent Alison Douglas text messages and made abusive telephone calls in April.

Bishop Auckland magistrates heard yesterday how Brown sent Miss Douglas a text message asking where his video recorder was.

This was followed by abusive telephone calls and text messages which made her fear for her safety.

But Bruce Cunningham, on behalf of Brown, said that calls had lasted about an hour and a half rather than days and it was a domestic argument after a break-up.

He said that his client admitted he had a temper problem and was attending anger management classes.

Brown was made subject of a restraining order forbidding him from contacting Miss Douglas directly or indirectly for six months. He was also given a 12 month conditional discharge.