A man who sent love messages to his ex-partner via her Tik Tok account then sent "sinister" messages to her too.

Blackburn magistrates heard the messages were followed by a video of wolves in the wild, accompanied by a “sinister” message which read: “Never put me in the position where I have to show you how cruel and ruthless I can be.”

Glen Anderton, prosecuting, said the video was accompanied by music which gave it a “sinister” feeling.

“The victim has interpreted the video as a threat to her safety and the safety of her family,” said Mr Anderton.

“She confirms she wants no contact whatsoever with the defendant.”

Stephen Valentine, 56, of the Salvation Army hostel in Heaton Street, Blackburn, and formerly of Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order and stalking.

Lancashire Telegraph: Stephen ValentineStephen Valentine (Image: Lancs Police)

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for the offences, with a further eight weeks of a suspended sentence activated.

An existing restraining order was extended until October 2028.

Deputy District Judge Andrew Garthwaite said sending an image with wolves on could not be anything other than sinister.

Daniel Frazer, by way of mitigation, said his client had an affinity with wolves and watching videos of them.

“He didn’t necessarily listen to the audio which accompanied this one,” said Mr Frazer.

“Obviously she found it quite upsetting.”