An obsessive stalker plastered his wall with photos of his ex-girlfriend and loitered outside her home in a tirade of harassment.
“Clingy and jealous” Andrew Douglas, 45, followed and messaged his former partner for nearly four years after their relationship ended.
Prosecuting, David Fosler said the pair have known each other for several years and entered a romantic relationship in 2019.
“The victim described the start of the relationship as a ‘fairytale’ but it started to deteriorate.
“By the end of September 2020, the victim had enough of his behaviours and challenged his obsessive traits."
But when the relationship ended, he sent her letters and approached her in public, calling her on her new phone number, Mr Fosler said.
“He relentlessly continued to try and pursue her and would stand outside her home up to three times a week.”
A statement made by the victim was read out in court by Mr Fosler.
In it, the victim said: “I have made my wishes clear to Andrew over the years and his behaviour has continued to affect my everyday life.
“I am scared for myself and my children.”
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Mr Fosler said: “She is clear she does not want any contact from the defendant.
“She no longer wants to be manipulated, stalked, or emotionally blackmailed by him.”
Mitigating, Sarah Barnard said it is not a one-sided story.
She said: “When Mr Douglas was remanded into custody last year, a number of letters from the victim were sent to him.
“She told him she loved him and would be there for him when he came out of HMP Winchester.
“Right before Christmas last year, she contacted him, and he rose to the occasion and found himself arrested.”
Douglas, of Burgoyne Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking.
Passing sentence, Deputy District Judge Clare Boishot described Douglas’ behaviour as “persistent”.
She handed him an 18-month community order which includes 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
He will also be subject to a two-month location monitoring GPS and a three year restraining order.
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