A man has been ordered to stay away from a former girlfriend he bombarded “day and night” with phone calls, texts and emails.

James Smith was given a restraining order by Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, after admitting he harassed the woman and her relatives living overseas.

The man, from Mitcham, was eventually arrested after trying to break into Diane Ryan’s house at 4.30am.

He told police: “I’m sorry – I know you told me to leave but I love her.”

Smith admitted one count of harassment without violence and one count of criminal damage, after he broke his victim’s lock while banging on her front door.

The court heard the couple’s relationship had broken down in 2010, and although they resumed it later that year it broke down again in July this year.

After this, the 44-year-old from Sadler Close began harassing Miss Ryan.

The Crown Prosecution Service said he was telephoning his victim at all hours of the day and night, and texting and emailing her. He also called her family in Ireland.

The court heard Miss Ryan asked her telephone company to log incoming calls and told the police about Smith’s behaviour.

He was warned by them on August 13 and 16, but at 1.20am on August 25 officers were called to his victim’s house in New Malden after she reported Smith banging on her front door.

They found him sitting outside the property drinking lager, and told him to leave.

But just three hours later they were called again, after reports Smith had tried to kick the door in.

He was found near the house and arrested. He apologised to police but said he was still in love with his victim.

Smith was given a community sentence including supervision meetings and a course to tackle his alcoholism.

He was also given a restraining order, telling him he must not contact or go to the home address of the defendant.

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