A MAN's repeated calls left his ex-girlfriend frightened and anxious, a court has heard.

George Smith pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and harassment without violence when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Smith and his victim had been living together before, prosecutor Melanie Winterflood said.

But on November 20, Smith had become agitated and grabbed her by the face, breaking her glasses and leaving marks on her cheeks.

The court heard the victim did not seek medical attention but that her daughter had later seen the marks left by Smith.

By January their relationship had not improved, and another argument saw 61-year-old Smith leave the home.The victim, frightened by Smith's demeanour, also left and called her daughter, but when she later returned, Smith was speaking to police outside the home.

He was told not to contact her but, the court heard, the victim called police after receiving 39 calls from Smith between 12.45 and 11.15am on January 29.

The court heard the victim had been left feeling anxious, stressed, and fearful he would return.

Fergus Maxwell, for Smith, said there was no evidence he had tried to contact her again.

"He has been living with his mother and has not travelled to see her," he said.

"He had no intention of having any contact with her. It was a relatively short relationship and he says things turned out to be a bit toxic.

"There's no suggestion it was a protracted attack, and this was not perhaps the most serious assault that comes before the court.

"Things came to a head in January when he found himself displaced and he says items including his stick were in her home and he just wanted them back."

Smith, of The Bines, Clehonger, was handed a 12-month community order and a three month curfew with electronic tag. He must also pay compensation of £12, costs of £90, and a £95 victim surcharge.