Pest who hounded ex with visits, calls and texts is given a restraining order

A jilted man has been banned from seeing his ex after he pestered her with visits, phone calls and texts.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on February 22 how Lee James Swift, 29, of Stephenson Place, Clay Cross, harassed his former partner over three months after they had separated.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam told a previous hearing the seven-month relationship ended in September, last year, but Swift would ring his ex and ask where she was and what she was doing and on October 31 he banged on an upstairs window after climbing onto her neighbour’s roof and accused her of seeing someone.

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Police warned Swift and his ex was forced to block him on social media and she changed her phone number but he got her new number, according to Mrs Haslam.

The former couple spoke again in November when things were more amicable, according to Mrs Haslam, but the complainant got a call accusing her of being out when she was in her home and he texted her the following day saying he missed and loved her.

Mrs Haslam added that Swift also banged on the window of a pub when his ex was out with friends and in January he knocked on her door when she was in bed and accused her of being unfaithful.

Swift told police he had become depressed after the break-up.

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The defendant pleaded guilty to causing harassment by making unwanted visits, phone calls and texts between October 30, 2016, and January 22, 2017.

Magistrates sentenced Swift to a community order to last until July 21, 2018, with a Building Better Relationships programme, a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Swift was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

He was also given a two-year restraining order.