A stalker has admitted bombarding his victim with telephone calls and text messages for more than a year.

Lee Withycombe, 22, made threatening and abusive calls and texts to Lynn Taylor between March 1, 2003, and August 5, 2004.

During the campaign, Withycombe warned Ms Taylor that violence would be used against her at her home in Sulgrave, Washington, Wearside.

Withycombe, of Lime Grove, Ryton, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to putting a person in fear of violence by harassment during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

Judge David Wood adjourned the case until February 22 for a pre-sentence report.

But he said: "That doesn't mean the court has decided on sentence, that will be decided when the report is available."

Withycombe was granted bail in the meantime.

However, he was warned that he must stay away from Ms Taylor and make no attempt to contact her.