A FATHER-of-two left his estranged wife afraid and upset in a campaign of intimidation after their 19-year relationship broke down, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Nicholas Wayne Smith, 39, assaulted victim Susan Smith, persistently sent threatening text messages and voice mails, followed her to work, abused her and got into her car.

He had earlier been warned by police, was charged after continuing his behaviour and had then struck again whilst on bail.

Smith, of Alpha Street, Salterforth, admitted two counts of harassment. He was given 12 months supervision and a three year restraining order to keep away from the victim.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court Smith was at first given a formal warning by police after repeatedly sending the victim text messages and voice mails.

Despite that the defendant approached Susan Smith at the Burnley Express where she worked, assaulted her and took her handbag from her. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on bail.

Mrs Smith was frightened and upset by her former partner's behaviour but on January 24, they had to meet to discuss their son.

Smith followed the victim as she got into her car, became angry, phoned her mobile as she was travelling, followed her and tried to speak to her. Mr Maude said the defendant was arrested, was charged and bailed.

He appeared in court on February 7, admitted harassing his estranged wife between January 15 and 25 and then harassed her again.

The prosecutor said Smith came up behind the victim as she was locking her car door, startled her and said he wanted to talk. She got in the car and Smith climbed in the passenger seat and refused to get out.

Ben Leech, defending, said Smith accepted his actions were unreasonable.

The relationship had broken down last November and he had had to take on the financial burden of the matrimonial home, for which he and his estranged partner had had joint responsibility. He thought she should pay half.

The couple had a 20-year- old daughter at university who needed financing, had been cut off and felt like "piggy in the middle," and asked her father to contact the victim.

Smith had sent the text messages out of frustration with a view to getting some form of response, and they did become abusive.