The technology of the 21st Century proved too much for a York husband when his estranged wife used mobile phone text messages to "wind him up", the city's magistrates heard.

Susan Simpson sent a succession of the hi-tech communications to Michael Jason Baines' mobile phone.

After an exchange of text messages late at night, he responded by smashing her window.

Baines, of Arran Place, Heworth, pleaded guilty to criminal damage on January 11.

Magistrates conditionally discharged him for six months saying he had been provoked and ordered him to pay £55 costs. They did not order him to compensate Ms Simpson for the damaged window.

For Baines, Craig Robertson said Ms Simpson had sent "message after message," far more than the two she told the police about.

He had been so concerned about her behaviour, he had reported her to the police.

"He wants her to leave him alone, she won't," said Mr Robertson. "The relationship is over. He just wants to walk away from her, unfortunately she won't let him. On the night in question, he had had enough."

The solicitor continued: "She deliberately wound him up, but two wrongs don't make a right."

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, January 18, 2001