A MAN who stalked his ex-partner for nine months wanted ‘closure’ a court has heard.

Russell Pearce, who lives in the Cardigan area, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Wednesday, September 11.

He previously pleaded guilty to stalking a woman between November 2017 and July 17, 2018, causing her serious alarm or distress.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said Pearce had been in a relationship with the complainant for two years and persistently sent her emails and small Paypal payments with messages attached, and followed her on social media when the pair split up.

He added that the case had been listed for trial before Pearce entered a guilty plea.

“It caused her a great deal of distress.”

Pearce, 36, also signed her up for various mailing lists, payday loans and credit cards without her knowledge.

The woman told Pearce she did not want any contact from him and police issued a notice warning him to stay away.

But two months later he knocked on her caravan door while she was at a festival, stating he wanted ‘closure’, and did not leave until her friend arrived from a nearby tent. He stated he would return as he ‘could not stop trying’.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said Pearce’s behaviour had affected her emotionally, physically and financially.

She said: “I am constantly looking over my shoulder and nervous while going out in public in case he appears. I just want this to stop so that I can get my life back on track.”

Jonathan Webb, defending, said both parties had moved on from what was now a ‘historic matter’.

“He struggled to get over the break-up of the relationship with this lady, they were together for some time.”

He added that Pearce had mental health issues, and the court heard that he was ‘extremely remorseful’ for his behaviour and the distress caused.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a 15-day rehabilitation activity. Pearce was ordered to pay £420 in compensation, a fine, costs and a surcharge.