AN Oldbury man who bombarded his ex-wife with telephone calls and also badly damaged her parked car has been spared time behind bars.

Judge Michael Challinor told David Poulton, aged 44: "This is in many ways a sad case, you were in a twenty year relationship and you have four children. I am sure much of it was fulfilling and fruitful."

But he said alcohol had clearly played a big part in the actions of Poulton adding: "It lead you to this disgraceful behaviour."

The judge went on: "You have simply been unable to accept the breakdown of your marriage. I am satisfied that for much of the time you were a good husband, a good father and you provided for your children."

The offences he had committed after his relationship came to an end had been triggered by alcohol, ruled the judge at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Simon Hanns, prosecuting, said Poulton was making up to fifteen calls a day to his former partner and he had badly dented her car when he attacked the vehicle with a pole.

Carl Templar-Vasey, defending, said: "He accepted this was disgusting behaviour and he is not proud of what he did."

Poulton, of Heron Road, admitted harassment and criminal damage, he was given an 18 month community order and ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work.

He was further told to pay £1,500 costs by the judge who warned him he would go straight to prison if he became involved in a further similar incident.