A MAN made late night phone calls to his ex-girlfriend telling her she needed a good hiding and branding her a "bitch".

Defence solicitor Graeme Tindall told Burnley magistrates Paul Hendrik Thompson, 41 had a history of psychiatric problems and had not taken the break-up of the relationship particularly well.

Thompson, of Belvedere Road, Burnley, admitted three breaches of a restraining order in November and December last year.

He was put on probation for 12 months and his his alcohol intake and medication will be monitored.

Lesley Williams, prosecuting, said the complainant, Frances Holker, had been the victim in a harassment charge and although the defendant had been placed under a restraining order, his behaviour continued.