A DRIVER, who left a text message on his ex-lover's mobile asking how she might feel about "a gun blast", was banned from contacting her yesterday.
Harrogate magistrates also fined Kenneth Neate £100 with £70 costs after he admitted harassing Barbara Tuley for nine days in February.
Prosecutor Caroline Midgley said Mr Neate, 58, of Curfew Road, Ripon, North yorkshire, and Ms Tuley had been involved in a relationship but when it broke down he began to send her abusive and threatening text messages.
He ignored a police warning to stop and was arrested.
Neate's messages included one which said he could be either Mr Nice or Mr Nasty and declared that he still had feelings for her.
He then made threats against Ms Tuley's new partner and asked her what she would think of a gun blast.
In mitigation, Geoffrey Rogers said Neate had begun a sexual relationship with Ms Tuley last May.
He had become upset when the relationship ended and Ms Tuley got a new partner.
Mr Rogers said Neate now accepted the affair was over.
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