In one of the barrage of messages, Tim Tomkinson, 36, of Whiteford Road, Kettering, told his former girlfriend he would put an axe in her head if she got together with any other men.

But at Corby Magistrates Court yesterday he was told by magistrate Tony Pullen that a letter from the victim saying she wanted to get back together with him at some stage had saved him from going to jail.

He was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a 24-month supervision order.

The court had earlier heard that between November 11 and 26 last year he sent an average of 100 text messages a day to Karen Mackie's mobile phone after she finished the relationship. One text read: "I will batter you."

Susan Martin, prosecuting, told the court Miss Mackie decided to end her relationship on November 11 last year because of Tomkinson's bad temper.

She said: "After that the defendant started to text her constantly. During this time, in the region of 1,200 text messages were sent. She was very concerned about the defendant's behaviour. The matter was reported to the police."

Tomkinson had admitted harrassment charges relating to his behaviour.
Val Blow, in mitigation, said: "To a large extent this was fuelled by the use of steroids. He gave up in November which is when the charges end. He has been getting his life back on track."

Sentencing Tomkinson, Mr Pullen said: "The court considers this offence very serious. You are very lucky not to go to prison. What's really saved you is the fact that the victim has written a letter to the court saying she wants a reconciliation at some stage."

Tomkinson was ordered to pay £60 prosecution costs.