A BUS driver wept as a court heard how he harassed his ex-lover.

Ian Threadgold, who works in Worcester, was accused of psychologically abusing his victim.

Despite her pleas to be left alone, the married 38-year-old made repeated phone calls, sent flowers and turned up at her place of work. He was arrested by police after ignoring a harassment order.

At Worcester Magistrates Court, Threadgold, of Medway Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence. He broke down in tears as the Crown Prosecution Service condemned his behaviour.

Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting, said: “He was banned from visiting the [caravan] park where she lived but continued to go back. He was banned from her place of work. She changed her mobile phone number. He sent her flowers because her father had recently died.”

Threadgold, who told police that he did not think his actions were out of the ordinary, also telephoned the victim’s mother three times “to say hello”.

On one occasion he followed his ex-lover home from work, flashing his car headlights and beeping his horn in an attempt to get her attention.

Paul Stanley, defending, said Threadgold – who has spent almost two weeks in jail while waiting to be sentenced – now realised the seriousness of his situation.

He said: “Domestic abuse were not words he thought he would hear.

“He recognises the effect his actions have had on the lady herself. He fully accepts what he has done is wrong.

“It’s been a hard tablet for him to swallow because he spent a lot of time and money on unwanted affection.”

The bench sentenced Threadgold, who has now gone back to his wife, to a 12 month community order with supervision.

He was ordered to pay £500 compensation to his ex and made subject to a restraining order banning him from making any contact with her.