A MILKMAN from Tonbridge who pleaded guilty to harassment has changed his delivery route to avoid his victim.

Sean Pope, of Bishops Oak Ride, admitted harassing Amanda Lawrence between April and June of this year.

The court heard how Pope, 39, and his former lover had been together for eight months before she ended the relationship.

Prosecutor James Nichols said: "The relationship ended because the defendant was jealous of her ex-husband and children.

"He sent 30 voicemails threatening her and her ex-husband.

"On March 9, he started to send her texts saying he was sorry and that he loved her.

"She ignored him and they continued."

During proceedings at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Friday, the court also heard how Pope continued to send texts on a number of occasions, leading Ms Lawrence finally to involve the police.

Defending, Liam Gregory said that upon reflection Pope realised that he had caused a lot of distress to the victim.

He went on to say that the milkman had even changed his milk route in a bid not to run into his ex-partner.

He added: "He knows that he did not handle the break-up as well as he could have.

"He has not been in contact with Ms Lawrence for some time and has no intention of trying to contact her again."

Chairman of the Bench Anne Lightbody ordered Pope to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to adhere to a restraining order for the next 12 months.

Pope was also told to pay £85 in court costs.