Burnley man 'bombarded' ex with calls and texts despite warning

Asbestos remover Mark Anthony Pedder pestered Stacey Cardwell, who he had had a seven-year relationship with, with about 35 calls in one hour alone.

The 30-year-old didn't think it was unreasonable, but Burnley magistrates said they felt he had ignored the obvious distress his actions had been causing her.

The Bench was told how Pedder, whose solicitor said he had made contact "primarily through concern for his son," had used his brother's phone as well as his own. He had been given a harassment warning on May 21st, but then contacted Ms Caldwell again four days later.

The court heard the defendant "convicted himself," when he admitted what he had done when interviewed by police as the victim had provided a retraction statement. The pair now wanted to get back together, it was said.

Mrs Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Stacey Cardwell ended the relationship in February, Pedder moved out and after that she received constant texts, phone calls and voice mails.

The prosecutor continued: "She told him not to contact her. She says she has repeated herself so many times that he doesn't listen."

Mr Trevor Grice, defending Pedder, said: "He convicts himself in interview with the police."

The solicitor said the defendant and Ms Cardwell had been together for seven years before the split and had a young son.

Mr Grice continued: "Just before the split, the defendant's mother died and that caused him to suffer from depression. In addition, the couple were to have another baby, she miscarried and that led him for a short period to take solace in cocaine.

"That disrupted the relationship, he left the matrimonial home and he says he stopped taking cocaine. He was anxious for the relationship to continue. "

Mr Grice went on: "The victim did not want to proceed with criminal matters because the relationship is presumably going to come back together. The parties want to resume cohabiting together."

The defendant, of Selkirk Street, Burnley, admitted harassment without violence, between April 1st and May 26th. He was fined £300, with £85 costs and a £35 victim surcharge.