A SPURNED man has ended up behind bars after telling his frightened ex-partner he still loved her.

Burnley magistrates heard how Ben Lee Almond, 29, could not accept his seven-year relationship with the victim was over.

She had taken out an injunction but he ignored it, and a district judge locked him up, saying the defendant had not got the message on either count.

Almond, of Sefton Terrace, Burnley, admitted harassment, breaching a non-molestation order and damage. He was remanded in custody until June 11, for pre-sentence reports. District Judge Peter Ward warned custody would be an option.

Andrew Robinson said the defendant and victim had been split up for four months on April 26 when he smashed in her back door and was waiting for her in her house.

Mark Williams, defending, said Almond had mental health issues. He accepted he had had great difficulties coming to terms with the end of the relationship.

Mr Williams added : "He accepted he can't contact her but the temptation when he bumped into her on the street was too much."