A Penparcau man stalked his former partner by following her in his car and plaguing her with text messages, an Aberystwyth court heard.

Stephen Smith, 38, escaped an immediate prison sentence after he was given a six-month suspended sentence by District Judge Gwyn Jones after Smith was convicted after a trial of stalking Lisa Jones in January this year, a charge he had denied.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, said Smith, of 11 Gwêl Rheidol, and Ms Jones had been in a relationship, but Ms Jones ended it after becoming concerned about Smith’s moods and that he was “manipulative”.

Despite that, Smith continued to message Ms Jones, even threatening to kill himself on one occasion.

Mr Challinor said Smith sent dozens of text messages and social media messages to Ms Jones, many of which were abusive, until Ms Jones eventually responded to ask him to stop contacting her.

However, Smith continued to send more messages and started driving past Ms Jones’ home, as well as leaving ‘gifts’ on her doorstep including an empty picture frame and even items of his clothing.

On one occasion, Smith was driving past Ms Jones and turned his car around to follow her, Mr Challinor said.

After he was arrested, Smith told police that he had messaged Ms Jones but that he was not stalking her. However, in a victim impact statement Ms Jones said she was scared of Smith and didn’t know what he was capable of.

Defence solicitor Lauren Bayley said things had “spiralled out of control” after the break-up of the relationship, but that Smith now realised his behaviour was wrong and he was “exceptionally sorry”.

She said: “Looking back with the benefit of hindsight his actions weren’t acceptable. He’s embarrassed, he’s sorry and he’s penitent for his actions.”

But District Judge Jones said Smith’s actions had been designed to be “coercive” toward Ms Jones and had placed her under immense strain and pressure. He said that while a custodial sentence would be appropriate, he was suspending the six-month prison sentence for two years.

As part of that order Smith will have to complete 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 180 hours of unpaid work.

He will pay Ms Jones compensation of £500, court costs of £620 and a victim surcharge of £115.

Smith was also made subject to a restraining order for five years.