A SOUTH Tyneside man who pestered his former girlfriend has been warned by a judge to stay away from her or risk going to jail.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how Martin Levitt, 30, harassed and pestered Pamela Lister after they split up in December last year.

The court heard how on April 9 he went to her home in Red House, Sunderland and quizzed her about a love bite on her neck before he punched her in the face and knocked her to the ground.

The decorator, of Soane Gardens, South Shields, yesterday pleaded guilty to harassment.

He was given a two-year community rehabilitation order and was ordered to pay costs.

Judge Michael Cartlidge said: "You would be made to go nowhere near this woman again. If you do, you will go to prison."