A West Cumbrian man who sent flowers to his ex-partner two days after they broke up through Facebook was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work.

Dillon Meteer, 23, of Main Street, Frizington, was also handed a restraining order after he admitted harassing Lynn Kyles.

When he appeared at North and West Cumbria Magistrates Court in Workington on Friday, the court heard Meteer and Ms Kyles had been in a relationship for a couple of months but that relationship was ended by Ms Kyles through Facebook on September 3.

Pam Fee, prosecuting, said that when Meteer persisted in contacting Ms Kyles she blocked him on all social media as well as blocking his number on her phone.

Ms Fee said: "He then contacted her using another mobile phone and she replied she didn't want any further contact. On September 5 Ms Kyles came home to a delivery of flowers and a note with Mr Meteer's mobile number, she was concerned about his behaviour and she reported him to the police."

Ms Fee added Meteer, who works at Gates Tyres in Lillyhall, Workington, said every time the couple fell out Ms Kyles would block him but then they would get back together.

"He said he was aware she would be going to a funeral and wanted to offer her support, he didn't think they were over.

"He told police he had initially ordered the flowers before they broke up and couldn't stop the delivery," said Ms Fee.

"During another interview he accepted he ... had ordered them on that day."

In a victim personal statement Ms Kyles said the incident made her feel anxious and distressed and scared for her own safety and that of her children.

She requested a restraining order.

Karen Tunnacliffe, defending, said one of the issues highlighted in a report prepared by the probation service was a certain level of immaturity.

She said: "Mr Meteer has had issues with relationship break-downs in the past. During this relationship they had broken up on several occasions.

"She had blocked him before and he thought this was a repeat behaviour. There was no coercive behaviour or threats."

She said the defendant did not oppose the restraining order, however he claimed Ms Kyles had tried to make contact with him at the weekend.

Mrs Tunnacliffe said: "He declined to speak to her because of his bail condition. It does seem she wants to reconcile, but he says that relationship was toxic and he wants to stay out of it."

Presiding magistrate Keith Southward told Meteer: "We see that you have been suffering in these last months or so but more so your partner has also suffered. She's been in fear for her own well-being and that of her children."

Meteer was given a 12-month community order with a requirement to do 100 hours of unpaid work and 12 rehabilitation days, for harassing Ms Kyles between September 3 and September 6.

He was handed a restraining order, preventing him from contacting directly or indirectly Ms Kyles, going to her address or place of work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.