AN obsessive ex unable to handle a break up lavished his victim with a new car, flying lessons and even a new puppy – despite being told to leave the woman alone.

Jamie Holgate’s ex-girlfriend made it clear she wanted no further contact but he continued to turn up at her home, contact her and leave her unwanted gifts.

The 33-year-old, of Knotts Mount in Colne, appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress.

Prosecuting, Simon Green explained that after the breakdown of the couple’s relationship in January this year, Holgate began to ‘constantly’ message and call the victim as well as leaving flowers on her door step.

Mr Green told the court how over a period of three and a half months, Holgate bought the victim many high value goods – such as a new Volvo, flying lessons, concert tickets and a holiday to Greece.

She declined all of the gifts.

The only time the victim, who is from Fearnhead in Warrington, responded to Holgate was to tell him that she didn’t want any contact.

The court heard that the final straw for the victim was when Holgate bought her a puppy in May, which is when she decided to contact the police.

Mr Green read out the victim’s personal statement to the court in which she claimed she has been ‘left at times feeling like a prisoner’ in her own home.

She said she makes sure all doors and windows are locked and blinds and curtains are shut, and still feels uneasy and unsafe in her own home.

The victim also has bought more CCTV cameras, high fences and a gate as a result of Holgate’s actions.

 

Warrington Magistrates Court

Warrington Magistrates' Court

 

Holgate has one previous conviction for harassment.

Defending, Mr Smith told the court that since the victim contacted the police in May, there has been no further contact from Holgate.

He said that Holgate accepts the relationship is now over.

Mr Smith said: “Sadly, this young lad thought he would have a future with the victim.”

Concluding, chair of the bench, Michael Donaher, said: “We are concerned it is your second time down this particular path.”

Holgate was handed a two year community order and required to complete 275 hour of unpaid work.

He was fined £85 court costs, a victim surcharge of £95 and ordered to pay the victim compensation of £750 for the ‘distress’ and ‘anxiety’ he caused.

He was also issued a seven-year restraining order against the victim.