SELBY magistrates have imposed a restraining order on a man who assaulted and harassed his ex-girlfriend.

Martin Christopher Thompson, of Finkle Hill, Sherburn-in-Elmet, harassed Margaret Fryer, between April 29 and May 3, after their two-and-a-half year relationship ended, the court heard.

Steve Ovenden, prosecuting, said that on April 26, Thompson, 31, gained entry to Miss Fryer's house through rear patio doors. After Miss Fryer pushed him, he pushed her backwards and held her against the window, with his hands around her neck.

Mr Ovenden said that Miss Fryer had been frightened, but uninjured.

The court heard that Thompson repeatedly telephoned his former girlfriend.

He also visited her at her workplace in Sherburn-in-Elmet, where she told him to leave.

On May 3, Thompson visited Miss Fryer at her home while she was asleep.

Mr Ovenden said that Miss Fryer had felt intimidated, but had spoken to Thompson to avoid a scene in front of her children.

Keith Haggerty, mitigating, said that his client had visited Miss Fryer to sort out his possessions, clothes and ownership of a car.

He said: "I think in his heart of hearts, he would have liked to have maintained that relationship.

"He accepted that, at the time, he was drinking rather more than what was good for him."

Presiding magistrate Ron Southby said: "If this lady had been injured in any way, shape or form, we would be looking at custody."

Thompson was given a 40-hour community rehabilitation and punishment order.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Miss Fryer and £55 court costs.

Magistrates also imposed a restraining order, prohibiting Thompson from being within 30 yards of Margaret Fryer, and within 50 yards of her place of work.

Updated: 13:16 Friday, July 18, 2003