AN ISLE of Wight man harassed his ex-girlfriend, sending her “rum and bin liners” as a gift and calling and messaging her numerous times, a court heard.

David Betteley, of West Street, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, July 19.

At a previous hearing, the 47-year-old admitted harassment without violence, in Ryde, between January 28 and February 14.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said Betteley and his victim met on a dating site online, in November 2023.

She said the pair met up a few times, but Betteley exhibited jealous behaviour early on, and the relationship ended in January.

The court heard he continued to contact the victim, bombarding her with messages and calls.

Ms Miller said he went so far as to get his mother to contact her, made further calls and left voicemails, and sent her gifts from Amazon, comprising flowers, bin liners and a bottle of rum.

The court heard he found it hard to accept the relationship was over, and he continued to make further attempts to contact the victim, telling her he wanted to make one final farewell.

Ms Miller said he went on to follow her on Instagram and messaged her on dating site Plenty of Fish.

Tom Cooke, defending, said the reason Betteley left so many lengthy voicemails was because he was trying to say a final farewell but kept fluffing his words.

He said he made no threats of violence, cut a forlorn figure, and didn’t know why the relationship ended.

Mr Cooke said Betteley struggled to understand what he did wrong, would benefit from rehabilitation days to help him recognise social cues, and the most important thing was for him to get the help he needed.

Invited to speak by magistrates, Betteley said: “I’m very, very sorry.”

Betteley was made subject of an 18-month community order, to include 30 rehabilitation days, and a 24-month restraining order.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.