A Ballymena man has been handed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, after admitting to harassing his former partner over a 12-month period from June 2025.

Christopher Gilmore, 43, of Dunfane Park, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link from prison, where he had been on remand since June. He pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment.

The court heard that Gilmore bombarded the woman with up to 150 messages and calls every day over the course of a year. Many of the messages expressed how much he missed her, but others mentioned self-harm if she did not resume the relationship.

When the woman attempted to block his number, Gilmore began using other people's phones to contact her. The court was told the woman was left feeling anxious every day.

A defence barrister said Gilmore's actions were those of a desperate individual who went about seeking reconciliation entirely the wrong way, and that he now appreciates the relationship is over.

District Judge Nigel Broderick noted that Gilmore had already spent time in custody for the prolonged harassment. He imposed a four-month prison term, suspended for one year, as an incentive not to repeat the behaviour. A restraining order was also put in place.