A MAN who drove his ex-girlfriend to the brink of suicide has been given a restraining order.

David Mark Taylor, 35, bombarded his former partner with threatening remarks and visits to her home, over a period of three months. He also threatened her new boyfriend.

Darlington Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday that, at one point, the female victim told Taylor, who had pleaded guilty to harassment, she was contemplating suicide and he told her to do so.

Ciaran Grogan, prosecuting, said: "Her level of harassment was such that she tried suicide.

"She overdosed and was admitted to Darlington Memorial Hospital. She did acquiesce to some of his contact, but that contact was not welcome.

"Her will was over-borne. She was scared and worn down."

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said that since the breakdown of the relationship, Taylor, of Kitchener Street in the Denes area of Darlington, had lost his job.

He added: "It is clear that he never tried to harm this lady. That was the last of his intentions.

"It mattered so much to him, that he was putting his needs and wishes to the fore."

Margaret Cunningham, chairwoman of the bench, said: "It's always difficult for a man to understand that women can feel scared, worn down and absolutely threatened.

"You must understand that you can't be harbouring any hopes of any relationship with this lady now."

She sentenced Taylor to a 12 month community order, 80 hours of unpaid work and £150 costs. He was also ordered not to go within 100 metres of the victim's street, not to go within 15 metres of her workplace or to communicate with her.