AN INNERLEITHEN man sent his former partner more than 400 text messages over the Christmas period, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Paul Thompson of Buccleuch Street pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct likely to cause fear and alarm by repeatedly sending messages.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the 37-year-old had been with the woman for six or seven years before they separated on December 4 and they had one child together.

He explained: "She said she wanted no more to do with him.

"But between December 13 and December 27 he sent her more than 400 text messages which she felt were trying to control her."

Mr Fraser said a small number related to their child and while they were not threatening she felt he was trying to control him.

Mr Fraser said there were 426 messages from him and she had replied with 117 messages but many of them were to correct spelling mistakes.

Thompson was given a two year community pay back order with supervision and to attend the Caledonian Men's Programme as an alternative to imprisonment.

A non-harassment order was imposed banning him from contacting his former partner for 18 months.