A MAN who bombarded his ex-partner with a tirade of foul abuse via voice messages has been spared jail.

David Ashworth, of Warren Drive in Prestatyn, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old had previously admitted one offence of harassment without violence and one of breaching a non-molestation order, both of which happened in Wrexham.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court the victim in both offences was the defendant's ex-partner, Jessica Houghton.

The non-molestation order was imposed by the Family Court and prohibited Ashworth from using or threatening any violence against Ms Houghton, as well as intimidating or pestering her.

He was also prohibited from calling, e-mailing, texting or otherwise contacting her, including by social network sites or other electronic messaging.

But between June 1 and 6 this year, he harassed her - constituting the offence with which he was charged and the breach of the order.

The court heard numerous voice messages the defendant sent to her, in which he used foul derogatory language while shouting and screaming.

When interviewed by police, Ashworth said he regretted his actions and apologised for the contents of the messages.

He said a number of factors contributed to his behaviour, including the death of a friend, him being laid off work and his PTSD causing him problems.

Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court: "He accepted from the outset that he was in breach of the non-molestation order and his conduct amounted to harassment.

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"He's not seeking to minimise his behaviour, but just to put it into context his friend took his own life and that's had a bad impact on him - then he was laid off from work.

"He does also suffer severe PTSD as a result of his time in the military.

"He fully accepts he shouldn't have spoken to the complainant in the way he did."

The court imposed a 16 week prison sentence, but suspended it for 18 months.

Ashworth must undertake 15 rehabilitation activity days and 35 sessions on an accredited programme, as well as a 12 month mental health treatment requirement.

He must pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.