A MAN who harassed his ex-girlfriend, may end up in jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jason Clegg, 27, threatened mother-of-two Lisa Payton on the telephone and damaged the back door of her home.

Assistant Recorder David Hernandez, told him the courts took a serious view of what had traditionally been described as domestic violence. He added because the defendant had previous convictions for similar types of behaviour, it put him in jeopardy of custody -- although the judge added he wanted to look at all options before making a decision.

Clegg, of Willows Lane, Accrington, was bailed until July 4, to await sentence, after earlier admitting harassment. Sara Dodd, prosecuting, said the victim was 20 years old, and had a relationship lasting just a matter of weeks with Clegg, last summer. He phoned her although he denied threatening to kill her and later picked up a hammer, although he denied using it. He said he did not use any physical violence towards Miss Payton and there had been no trouble since August 1999.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Clegg believed he would be sent to custody. The relationship had got off to a good start, but had deteriorated, although the couple had got back together at times.

When the relationship ended, the defendant was anxious to retrieve clothing from the complainant's house and accepted he made the phone calls over two days. There was no physical violence, although Clegg accepted Miss Payton could have been worried and scared.