A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 60 hours of community service for harassing his ex-girlfriend.

Graeme John Banfield, of Conister Road, Douglas, admitted sending her emails despite previously receiving a police caution in the form of a Police Information Notice (PIN).

The woman said she had felt afraid and had changed her phone number and email address after the incident.

Banfield was also issued with a restraining order prohibiting from contacting or approaching the woman until further notice.

The court heard that Banfield had pleaded guilty to the offence on December 2 and the case was adjourned for a probation report to be completed.

The report said that Banfield had lived in the island for 22 years and was the supervising manager of a local firm.

His last conviction was in 2006.

Banfield told probation workers that he had become upset when he found messages on the woman’s phone.

He said he had never meant to cause her harm or distress and had only sent two emails after being given the PIN.

Banfield said that he had now moved on and had been on a date with another woman.

The report suggested community service as a suitable sentence.

Defence advocate David Clegg said that his client had written a letter to the court and had expressed how sorry he was, saying that he would never contact the woman or go near her again.

Mr Clegg said that the two emails sent had not been threatening or abusive, with the first being apologetic and the second sent in ’desperation’.

’He accepts he should have had no further contact,’ said the advocate.

’It’s fair to say Mr Banfield became extremely invested in the relationship and when things fell apart things became difficult for him.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered Banfield to pay £125 prosecution costs by January 8.