A father of two who couldn't accept his wife of 19 years leaving him has been spared immediate jail after mounting a campaign of harassment.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Nicholas Wayne Smith, 39, flouted court orders, repeatedly sending his estranged wife Susan threatening text messages, assaulting her and telling her he wanted to smash her face up'.

Smith, who had earlier been made subject of a three-year restraining order, had turned up at Mrs Smith's home and had been incensed,' after finding she had reverted to using her maiden name.

The defendant told the victim he hoped her plane crashed when she went on holiday, the court was told.

The defendant, formerly of Barnoldswick, and now living at New Road, Coppull, Chorley, admitted common assault on July 16 and breaching a restraining order on August 29 and September 5.

Smith was given 120 days in prison, suspended for 12 months and supervision. He was ordered to pay his victim £100 compensation for emotional stress but the bench made no order for costs.