AN ESTRANGED husband has been made subject of a restraining order after he harassed his wife by sending her threatening messages.

Colin Blackman, of Hogarth Close, Black Dam, pleaded guilty to causing harassment without violence on December 19, 2013, after bombarding his wife Hollie with text messages and phone calls between November 1 and 30, in Odiham. He appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on January 16.

Prosecutor Kate Prince said Mrs Blackman told her husband, from whom she is separated, to leave her alone after he sent her a message at the beginning of November, but he continued to text and call her.

Craig Matthews, defending, said: “This is a 45-year-old man with no previous convictions.

“It’s a one-off episode, although it took place over a period of time.”

Mr Matthews said Blackman has been married to his wife for 10 years, and they have a three-year-old son.

She started seeing someone else, but Blackman wanted their relationship to continue.

Mr Matthews said: “He wasn’t happy and said some stupid things over the phone. He had no intention of carrying out the threats. He regretted his actions and felt stupid.”

The court heard that Blackman’s wife had requested her husband be made subject to a restraining order which would not prevent him from seeing his son.

Magistrate Christopher Pankhurst sentenced Blackman to a nine-month community order with a supervision requirement and a restraining order which prevents him from using threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards Mrs Blackman.

He was also ordered to pay £40 contribution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.