A STALKER who bombarded a woman with unwanted calls, messages and "sinister" letters has been spared jail.

Lee Roberts, of Deva Way in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Monday for sentence.

The 33-year-old had been convicted of an offence of stalking at a previous hearing.

Roberts' offending, committed against a woman named Amy Darlington, took place in Wrexham over a roughly two-week period between the end of January and the beginning of February this year.

His "worrying" behaviour saw him calling the victim repeatedly - on one of the days amounting to 28 calls within 24 hours.

He also visited "everywhere she could possibly be," including her home, her work and her parents' home.

Additionally, Roberts delivered letters to Ms Darlington which became "more and more sinister" in nature.

Being spoken to police and placed on bail conditions didn't deter him either, as he breached the conditions.

Brett Williamson, defending, told the court is client had been given an opportunity to speak with the Probation Service to explore community-based sentencing options.

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He said: "It's not a glowing recommendation for intervention by probation, but it's just about enough for him to be given an opportunity.

"He has apologised to Amy and her family - he said any emotional damage was not his intention and he doesn't wish any harm on her.

"Rather, this is an inept way of expressing his love for this woman.

"It's not a sophisticated offence and he is now heading very much in the right direction; focusing on his release, finding accommodation and work.

"It's been repeated to him that he's not to have any contact with Amy Darlington; whether it be to express sorrow or his attempts to rekindle their relationship."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "You do present as someone who will do what you want, regardless of your victim's feelings.

"You're still partially reluctant to open your eyes to the real harm you've caused.

"Your abuse of Ms Darlington was not only persistent, but it was alarming."

The Judge said the choice open to the court was "stark."

Because Roberts had been remanded in custody for around five months, Judge Parry said he could impose a immediate sentence, which would see the defendant being released back into the community in a relatively short time without any of his issues having been addressed.

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But given his rehabilitation was in the public interest, including any of his future partners, the Judge handed down a 12 month custodial sentence - and suspended it for two years.

The defendant must undertake up to 35 sessions on an accredited programme.

He must also attend up to 15 rehabilitation activity sessions to address how to deal with relationships and employment.

An indefinite restraining order was imposed to protect the victim and her parents.