A MAN who harassed his former girlfriend with abusive telephone calls has been given a court restraining order.

Brian Maughan, 39, of Westmoreland Court, Darlington was charged with harassing Grace Hodgson between October 19 and November 24 last year.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard that Maughan made numerous abusive calls to his former girlfriend of 13 months after their relationship ended.

He also sent text messages and on one occasion confronted Ms Hodgson at her home and spat in her hair.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said: "Mr Maughan was in a relationship with Grace Hodgson which ended towards the end of October last year.

"As soon as it ended he started to send abusive text messages.

"She received 30 messages, which ranged from abusive to being affectionate and she received calls on her home telephone number of a similar nature.

"He would also call and then hang up.

"Ms Hodgson wrote to him explaining the reasons for the end of the relationship and asked that he stopped the calls.

"When he did not, she sought the advice of the police."

The court heard that Maughan continued to make the calls, which worsened when Ms Hodgson found a new partner.

On one occasion Maughan turned up at the victim's home where he swore and spat at her.

Graham Hunsley, defending, said: "He has said at his age he should know better. It was an emotional low point that caused him to drink and when he had some of these matters occurred."

As well as the six-month restraining order, Maughan was fined £50.