A FORMER cafe worker has been handed a community order after threatening and harassing his ex-girlfriend.

Curtis James David Marpole admitted damaging property between November 2019 and May 2020, and harassment and using threatening and abusive behaviour between November 2019 and July 2020 when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on January 13.

Prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said Marpole's nine-month relationship with the victim had come to an end in May last year after the 22-year-old became abusive and controlling.

"His behaviour deteriorated. He regularly threatened her and damaged her property by punching walls and doors," Mr Reaz said.

"He was told the relationship was over, and the victim has since got back together with her previous partner."

But, the court heard, former cafe worker Marpole continued to send "unpleasant and persistent" messages and turn up at the victims house until July.

Chris Read, for Marpole, said he had been under a "massive amount" of stress at the time.

"This was a relationship between two young people which eventually did not work out," Mr Read said.

"The charges give a very fair picture of what happened. He was never actually violent towards her, but clearly there were threats of violence being made. He was struggling very much with his mental state at the time.

Marpole, of Dilwyn, Herefordshire, received a 10-month community order and a two-year restraining order. He was also fined £100 and must pay £185 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.