A FATHER whose relationship with his girlfriend ended after he had sex with a man bombarded her with malicious text messages, a court heard.

Paul Noke's girlfriend had called him "scum" after discovering his actions and their split grew more acrimonious.

Abi Nixon, prosecuting at Droitwich Magistrates Court, told how Noke's three-year relationship finished in February last year after his girlfriend Petra Nuttall realised she could not forgive him following the confession.

"She called him a few names like 'scum'," said Miss Nixon.

She said the couple's relationship then became more fraught.

Ill-feeling between the pair came to a head on Saturday, September 8, last year when Noke posted a CD through Ms Nuttall's letterbox.

It had a threatening note warning his former lover and her son.

"She went into the garden and saw a letterbox had been damaged," added Miss Nixon.

The police were informed that evening and Noke was arrested.

Miss Nixon added that in interview Noke, of Crickley Drive, Warndon, Worcester, had admitted sending a series of harassing text messages, but denied calling around at her house.

Over the next few days, Ms Nuttall received many more text messages from him, including one which said that "the most beautiful person I have ever met has pushed me over the edge", and another one claiming he had lost his job because of her.

Louise Hooker, defending, said her client had not meant to upset his former lover, and was a disturbed man.

"He has been confused sexually and this has lead to attempted suicide."

At the time of the harassment, he had been drinking heavily.

But he was now abstaining from alcohol, and seeking medical and professional help with his feelings.

The 37-year-old had admitted criminal damage and harassment when he appeared before magistrates at a previous hearing.

Noke was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order, which includes a programme on domestic violence. He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to his victim, and £118 court costs.