A man who terrorised a woman on Facebook with vile and abusive messages has landed himself in court.

Neal Blighe started posting the horrendous messages more than a year after the couple’s relationship ended.

The 48-year-old was accused of calling his victim a "c***" on February 15 and further abusive posts and comments in February and March referring to her in a derogatory manner.

Charlie Thompson, prosecuting, said in one message he intimated that he could release a sex-related video but added the caveat ‘but I would go to prison’.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard how Blighe owned a number of properties and was planning to move out of the area after securing a job in Somerset.

The 48-year-old, who represented himself in court, spoke only to confirm his date of birth, address and to accept the contents of a pre-sentence report.

Blighe, of Porter Gardens, Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to stalking without fear of violence between February 2 and March 12 this year after he sent the raft of messages.

District Judge Marie Mallon sentenced Blighe to an 18-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and to pay court costs of £199.

He was also made subject to a 12-month restraining order to protect his victim.

Speaking after the hearing, the woman said Blighe had made her life hell and had posted some truly horrendous messages on Facebook.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access to the latest offer for annual or monthly subscription. Click here for details.

“The messages were disgusting,” she said. “I was so upset by them that they left me feeling suicidal.

“I have never been an anxious person but the way he behaved towards me left me suffering from anxiety.

“People were telling him that he needed to stop but he wouldn’t listen and that was why I had to get the police involved.

“I hadn’t heard from him for more than a year and then it just all started again – it was horrendous.”