A churchgoing dad-of-two who burned his ex-girlfriend's designer clothes in her garden in a "revenge attack" has been handed a restraining order.
Jassemark Davis, 28, of Cumberlow Avenue, South Norwood, destroyed Chantelle Walker's possessions in fury after she refused to reply to his stream of abusive text messages on July 18 last year.
On Friday, Croydon Magistrates' Court heard Davis had let himself into Miss Walker's Waddon Road house at 7.30am to find her talking on the phone, which he tried to take from her and knocked to the floor.
Prosecutor Remi Ogunfowdra told the court Miss Walker ordered Davis, after which he bombarded her with around 100 expletive-strewn abusive messages, telling her 'You have done it now you c***' and 'I hope you die.'
The next day, Miss Walker returned to her house with her dad to find to pile of burnt clothes in her front garden. She could not estimate the value of the clothes but said they were expensive.
Ms Ogunfowdra told magistrates Miss Walker now feared Davis, who she broke up with a year ago, and "categorically stated she wanted a restraining order" against him.
Davis admitted arson and harassment without violence.
Cleo McLaren, Davis's lawyer, said in mitigation he was "remorseful and regretful" and had been frustrated he could not contact Miss Walker because he was concerned for his children's welfare.
Ms McLaren told the court Davis had torched some of his own belongings along with Miss Walker's, as well as photographs that reminded him of their relationship.
She added Davis was now in another a relationship and had won custody of his children because of concerns over drug use in Miss Walker's family.
Presiding magistrate Mr Hamani told Davis his crimes were close to domestic abuse. He said: "It was an ex-partner and it can almost be classed as a revenge attack."
Magistrates handed Davis an eight-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work and pay a fine of £265.
They also banned him from contacting Miss Walker or visiting her home.
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