A LOVELORN man has admitted harassing his ex-partner 10 years after they split.

Burnley magistrates heard Terry Hartley, 62, had been unable to come to terms with the breakdown of his relationship with Sally Gates, the only girlfriend he had ever had.

He is now facing his third restraining order and possible jail after being twice convicted of harassing her.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, told the court Hartley would walk past the victim's home every day at around 4pm. He would wave or sit on a wall opposite staring into her house.

He had been subject to a restraining order until the end of April. He had not breached it, but had started appearing outside the house on May 1.

The prosecutor added: "She says she starts to feel sick when she thinks he is going to approach the house."

The defendant, of Edgworth Grove, Burnley, admitted harassment.

He was bailed until July 8 for a pre-sentence report and the bench told him they were not ruling out custody.

He must not contact Ms Gates or enter Chapel Street or Victory Close, Nelson.

Lee Hammond, for Hartley, said he gave up his job to care for Ms Gates, financially supported her while he was doing so and there was some suggestion he used all his savings up.

The seven year relationship broke down after the money ran out.

Hartley still maintained he was in love with Ms Gates. He had not made any threats.

At the defendant's last court appearance, his family had asked the court to make a longer order.

They were trying to get him interested in other things to take his mind off the situation.

For the first two offences, Hartley had been given a conditional discharge and a community order.

The court proceedings had had an awful effect on the defendant but of course he appreciated the fact the complainant had gone though some distress.

Mr Hammond added: "He knows he shouldn't go back but his heart is longing after what he can no longer have."