A man who harassed his ex-wife – including following her around Chester city centre when she was out socialising with friends – has been banned from approaching her for four years.

Defendant Kevin Patrick Higgins, 33, of Fron Road in Connah’s Quay, admitted harassment at an earlier hearing.

Judge David Hale, sitting at Mold Crown Court, told him that his conduct was 'totally inappropriate'.

“She must be allowed to get on with her own life without any additional interference from you,” he said.

But he believed that the defendant needed support, and he would be placed on a 12 month community order with supervision.

That meant that he was not to approach Kelly Higgins in any way but he could arrange child contact through social service, a family court or through a solicitor.

He was also banned from going within 50 metres of her home in Connah’s Quay.

Judge Hale warned him that if he breached the order then he could be sent to prison.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards told how the couple had been together ten years and had two children.

The relationship came to an end and that was the catalyst for the offences, he said.

He would text her and on several occasions when she was out socialising in Chester city centre he would follow her, approach her in pubs and ask to buy her a drink.

On one occasion he was angry and punching items in the street and she sought assistance from a female police officer.

The defendant had since been dealt with at Chester magistrates for assaulting that officer.

A friend had tried to calm him down on one occasion and asked him what he would do if she started a new relationship?

It was alleged that he told her “She will never have anyone else. She is mine. You don’t know what I am capable of.”

It was claimed that the defendant told his former wife on one occasion that she was a monster – and that he dreamt of slitting her throat, which shocked her.

Michael Davies, defending, suggested that a conditional discharge hanging over him would be sufficient along with the restraining order.

But the judge said that would mean that he would not be given the assistance he needed.