A RELATIONSHIP which started when the parties both worked in a charity shop ended in acrimony 18 months later.

Hyndburn magistrates heard that David Atherton refused to accept the relationship was over and bombarded his ex with abusive and insulting text messages over five days.

The court heard that less than a week before that calls started and there had been a confrontation which ended with Atherton spitting in the face of Dianne Marr. He was given a police caution over that incident and received a harassment warning.

Atherton, 41, of Bawdlands, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to harassing Miss Marr. He was made subject to community supervision for nine months, ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work, pay £100 compensation and £65 costs. He was also made subject to a restraining order for 12 months.

Stephen Barker, defending, said his client regretted the offence.