Ex-lover spared jail over Facebook photo

A spurned lover who bombarded his former partner with text messages before posting a picture of her wearing just her underwear on Facebook has been spared jail.

Wayne Hales was given a suspended prison sentence and restraining order and told to "turn around and go the other way" if he sees his victim, former flame Rebecca Eaves who he harassed for a month.

Mrs Maggie Meakin, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday that between November 21 and December 27, Hales sent dozens of text messages despite his ex-girlfriend's repeated requests for him to leave her alone,

He demanded gifts he had given to her during their two year relationship be returned, threatening to publish revealing pictures on the social networking website if she did not.

He also sent her flowers and threatened to move to Newcastle, taking a pet dog they had bought while together, the court heard.

Eventually 31-year-old Hales, of Hamble Road, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, uploaded a snap of Ms Eaves in her underwear to his own Facebook page.

Magistrates yesterday handed him a six-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and imposed a restraining order forbidding him from contacting Miss Eaves. He must also pay £85 costs after admitting harassment without violence.

Chairman of the bench, Kathryn Yarsley, told him: "If you see her in the street, I recommend that you turn around and go the other way."

Mr Gregory Burke, defending, told magistrates that Hales accepted he had behaved inappropriately by sending numerous text messages and making threats.

He argued that since his arrest Hales had not attempted to contact his victim. Mr Burke said:"There is no evidence to suggest this behaviour is typical of the defendant."