Phonsie Hasson (34), of 40 Benevenagh Drive, admitted several counts of harassment involving the same woman when he appeared at the local magistrate’s court.

The court heard that Hasson committed the offences on April 29 and 30 and June 6 and 9.

The court was told that the latter offences breached bail conditions imposed on June 3.

The defendant harassed the injured party both by telephone calls to her work, text messages and in person outside her home.

A defence solicitor said that all of his client’s criminality seemed to “stem from this particular lady”.

He added: “He believes she is as much to blame as he is.”

The solicitor added that he had spoken to his client’s mother and sister who said he needed medical help “more than anything else”.

Magistrate Eamon King said the situation was “serious” as the defendant had breached the conditions of his bail.

He said the defendant’s behaviour was a “course of conduct which would lead the victim to be distressed”.

Sentencing Hasson to four months in jail, Mr King said: “Maybe when you’re sitting looking out a window at Magilligan or Maghaberry, you’ll think about leaving this lady alone.”