A PONTSIAN man who bought two pay-as-you-go phones to continue harassing his ex-partner has been given a three-year restraining order to stay away from her.

Carwyn Lyn Jones, of Cribwr Lwyd, had denied harassing Angharad Evans over a two-month period between 15 March and 21 May last year, but was convicted following a trial.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, said Ms Evans had ended the relationship between the two in February 2015, but that she had been plagued with texts and phone calls from Jones pleading with her to take him back.

Jones, 29, then started sending flowers to Ms Evans’ home and her place of work on a daily basis, despite her telling him that she did not want to have any contact with him.

Despite receiving a warning from the police, Jones continued to send a large number of text messages and make phone calls to Ms Evans at all times of the day.

Mr Challinor said Jones had even acquired two pay-as-you-go phones to continue contacting Ms Evans as she would not recognise the phone numbers.

However, Jones was arrested after a police investigation linked him to the phones by showing that he had bought cards to top-up the balance on the two phones.

Katy Hanson, defending Jones, said, although he accepted the verdict of the court, he still maintained his evidence.

She said that Jones had been upset following the break-up of the relationship as his relationship with Ms Evans had been something he had spent a lot of time focusing on while he was going through a difficult time with ill-health.

Ms Hanson said Jones had struggled with a range of health issues and had been put under further strain by the court case, but that he had since received counselling and realised there was support and help that he could access.

The case had also led to friction between Jones and his family, with his parents not speaking to him over the incident.

A pre-sentence report which recommended a community order was backed by Ms Hanson who said it was “well thought out” and would help Jones.

Magistrates followed the recommendation and imposed a two-year community order which will see Jones take part in sessions on relationships, complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement days and do 80 hours of unpaid work.

Jones will also pay compensation to Ms Evans of £100 and costs totalling £460, with a three-year restraining order requiring him to stay away from Ms Evans, her home and to make no contact or reference to Ms Evans through electronic devices or on social media.

Presiding magistrate Brian Ashton warned Jones that if he did not abide with the orders he could be facing a prison sentence.

He said: “A prison sentence is awaiting you if anything like this happens again. That’s how serious this is.”