Robert William Le Claire was given a six-month suspended jail sentence for subjecting the woman to harassment that was so severe that she and her family were left anxious and fearful to go out.

Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke said the offences clearly merited a jail sentence but suspended it for 12 months, meaning that Le Claire will not have to serve the six months if he does not re-offend in the next year.

Mr Clarke also imposed a restraining order, barring Le Claire from any contact with the woman or her family for five years.

Crown Advocate Luke Sette, prosecuting, said Le Claire had started by visiting the shop where the victim worked and making suggestive comments which made her feel uncomfortable.

But he said this later escalated into abusive or menacing emails or text messages.

Pictured: Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke said the offences merited a jail sentence, but decided to suspend it.

“He called her a ‘sl*t’ and wrote, ‘I hope you die’, as well as other threats and obscenities,” said the advocate.

“She suffered severe stress and anxiety. She was worried about going into town. That anxiety affected not only her but also her family members.”

Advocate Sette added that Le Claire admitted the offences of harassment and sending abusive or threatening messages.

“He said he had a fascination with her. He said, ‘I know what I’ve done. I get the picture and I don’t want to contact her any more.'”

The Magistrate’s Court was told that Le Claire had no relevant previous convictions.

Arguing for a suspended sentence or a binding-over order, Advocate Chris Baglin, defending, said: “Clearly this has had a bad effect on the victim. He accepts and understand that.”

The Assistant Magistrate told Le Claire he had taken into consideration his guilty plea and expressions of remorse, but noted: “This has had a significant impact on the victim and her close family.

“Each of these offences crosses the custodial threshold.”

He agreed to suspend the sentence, but went on to warn him: “If you commit another offence, the subsequent court is likely to impose the underlying custodial sentence.”