Desperate Chesterfield man burgled his ex’s home to get her attention

Jason Wallace, 45, took the items from the estranged girlfriend to “exert power and control”, said a judge.

A prosecutor described how on February 17 Wallace - who had been in a “short” relationship with the complainant - sent her a text reading he had “two coats and some headphones”.

She returned home to find the conservatory doors open and the items missing.

Wallace later sent another text apologising, however when he was “rebuffed” the defendant sent another saying “I hope you get cancer and your kids do too”.

The court heard Wallace’s last conviction was in 2006.

Wallace’s solicitor said his client took the items so that his ex would “communicate with him”.

The defendant’s 11-year marriage had ended not long before he met the complainant and “alcohol was a factor”, the court heard.

District Judge Andrew Davison said he was able to suspend a 26-week jail term for 18 months in light of the mitigation contained on a pre-sentence report.

He also noted that Wallace had also only one conviction since 2006.

However, the judge told told him: “This is aggravated by the fact of committing a burglary in a domestic context.

“You took the items to exert power and control over your former partner and when you were rebuffed you aggravated it with the most appalling and obnoxious words.

“It was a despicable thing to say.”

Wallace, of Cantrell Close, Brimington, admitted burglary and sending an offensive message.

He was handed 25 rehabilitation activity days, 120 hours unpaid work and a five-year restraining order.

The defendant was also made to pay £500 compensation and ordered to take part in a building better relationships programme.