FRUSTRATION over contact with his children and bitterness over the breakdown of his marriage led to a man harassing his ex-wife, a court was told

Blackburn magistrates heard Ian James Thomas went to her Blackburn home banging on doors and windows and bombarded her with telephone calls over a four-month period.

Thomas, 38, of Alma Row, Hoghton, pleaded guilty to harassing Hilary Thomas.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £65 costs.

He was also made subject to a restraining order for 12 months.

A charge of criminal damage was withdrawn.

Teresa Feeley, prosecuting, said the marriage had broken down 20 months ago and Mrs Thomas had a new partner.

"There had been agreed contact between Thomas and his children but he wasn't happy with the access situation and embarked on what amounted to a course of harassment," she said.

Peter McCaughley, defending, said the couple had been married for 12 years and it was understandable that his client should be upset by the breakdown of the relationship.