A CARLISLE man who stalked a former partner because he was "perplexed" when she ended the relationship has been given a community order.

Robert Hughen, 38, was the woman's partner for two months but she ended the relationship after a third party told her the defendant had a criminal record, which included conviction for assault and domestic abuse.

At Carlisle's Rickergate court, the defendant, of Chatsworth Square, Carlisle, admitted harassing the woman between March 14 and March 18.

Andy Travis, prosecuting at the city’s Rickergate court, said the couple split after the woman received a phone call about Hughen's criminal record. Arrangements were made for him to collect his belongings, which the woman left on the doorstep.

But over the period of the offence, he was repeatedly seen in her garden; and he kept knocking on the door and ringing her, and staying outside of the house for extended periods, said Mr Travis.

“She received numerous unwanted messages asking her to make contact,” said the prosecutor. “She responded by asking him to leave her alone." When he initially refused to leave the area at her request, she called the police.

Outlining the defendant’s criminal history, Mr Travis said it included domestic abuse and breach of a non-molestation order.

Jeff Smith, defending, said the relationship the defendant and the woman were in had been successful and she had not ended it because of domestic violence or any other kind of offending behaviour. 

“He was somewhat perplexed,” said the lawyer. The defendant contacted her "on several occasions" and told her that he loved her and wanted to know why she wanted to end their relationship, said Mr Smith.

This was why he had behaved as he had. The lawyer added: "I understand that it would be regarded as harassment but at the end of the day we are all human."

Magistrates imposed a community order which includes a five week 9pm to 7am curfew. They also imposed a restraining order banning any contact with the woman involved until November 22 next year.

Hughen is banned from entering the Carlisle street where she lives. The defendant, who initially denied the offence, must pay £400 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.