A MAN who turned to TikTok and bank transfers to harass his ex-partner has been handed a community order.

Michael Wolstenholme, of Henry Taylor Street in Flint, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 32-year-old had previously admitted harassment without violence, committed against his ex-partner Lauren Marley in Flint between April and July last year.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that the victim and defendant had ended their "on-off" relationship in January 2022.

Ms Marley said Wolstenholme had committed domestic abuse against her over the preceding two years, explaining she felt she had to "tread on eggshells" after the defendant had been drinking.

He would regularly shout at her and become aggressive, the court heard.

Following their separation, she made it clear she didn't want to be contacted by him.

But Wolstenholme went on to "bombard" her with attempted contacts - even sending her small values of money to her bank account (54 transactions of 1p) and including messages in the transfer references.

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He also took to TikTok, releasing a video which caused her upset and messaged her dozens of times by phone, as well as emailing her.

When he was interviewed by police, Wolstenholme admitted he'd been sending emails and bank transfers, but claimed he was emotional due to not being able to see his and the victim's son.

A probation officer told the court that the separation and his partner's subsequent relocation to another area had been "upsetting" for Wolstenholme, and that he admitted his methods had been "excessive."

The officer told the court the defendant doesn't fully recognise the impact of his behaviour on the victim, and that there had been some elements of "victim-blaming" in his interview.

It was put forward by the probation service that Wolstenholme, a hotel porter and barman, would be suitable for rehabilitation activity, as well as unpaid work.

David Matthews, defending, asked District Judge Gwyn Jones to go along with the probation recommendation.

The District Judge told the defendant: "It's clear you went beyond the line of trying to make contact with Ms Marley on this occasion. It amounted to harassment."

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The Leader:

Wolstenholme was handed a 12 month community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

A restraining order of five years was put in place to protect Ms Marley.