AN EX-CONVICT admitted harassing his former girlfriend with phone calls and text messages telling her they should be 'civilised adults'.

John Darren Sysum, of Gad-brook Road, Northwich, admitted harassing his former girlfriend between May 15 and May 28 after she made a harassment order against him.

Prosecuting, Sue Gibson said that after Lauren Fox ended her eight-month relationship with Sysum, she received unwanted communications from him so contacted the police who issued a harassment warning on May 9.

The 32-year-old defendant continued to contact her for several weeks with seven text messages and five to 10 voice messages.

Ms Gibson said: 'In the middle of May she finished work and walked to her car. There was a letter left on her car, a garbled note not making much sense, apologising and saying goodbye. The same evening there were two compact discs left for her, she recognised the writing as the defendant's.

'His behaviour was causing much harassment, alarm and distress. She was frightened to answer the telephone or go out. He knew he should not communicate with her after the harassment warning. Against her wishes, he continued to do it.'

Defending, Derek McDonald said Sysum had been open with Ms Fox from the start about his time in prison and his personal problems, and she took these on board.

Mr McDonald said: 'She still wanted a relationship but said, 'do not tell my family'. During the relationship she promised him, 'we will get a house, car and settle down together'.

'He ultimately wanted to tell her 'we are both adults, we can still be civilised'. He tried to tell her via text, calls and a letter. No threats were made.'

The case was adjourned for sentencing until Friday, August 19. Sysum was released on bail and told not to contact the victim.