A MAN has admitted stalking his former partner by calling her up to 50 times per day after he was asked to cease contact with her.

Martin Collins repeatedly contacted the woman via telephone during a ten-week period, as well as sending several text messages and an excessive number of voicemails.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard that Collins had been in a relationship with the complainer for several months before she ‘made it clear’ she did not want to have any further contact with him on September 4.

Despite this, he continued to phone and text her on an almost daily basis. 

Even while the victim was reporting the issue to police she was observed repeatedly receiving notifications on her mobile phone from Collins.

The 51-year-old pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct which caused his former partner to suffer fear or alarm.

He committed the offence in Greenock and elsewhere between September 4 and November 13.

(Image: Newsquest) Fiscal depute Decla O’Connor said: “She made efforts to ask the accused to stop contacting her, however, this had no effect on his behaviour.”

Collins, of Wishaw, also left the woman a number of voicemails, with a message left on November 13 being described as her ‘breaking point’ – causing her to report the matter to police.

Ms O’Connor added: “While speaking with police on November 14, her mobile phone was repeatedly notified with further voicemails from the accused.

“Police observed that that day alone, she had received 50 calls from him.

“She contacted the accused by telephone in the presence of police officers asking him to cease communication with her.

“He replied, ‘I just want to talk’. The call was terminated.

“Whilst police were obtaining statements the accused left further voicemails on her phone.”

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Police later traced Collins at his home address, where he offered police the pin code for his phone.

He was later interviewed and, while under caution, stated: “I’m sorry for everything.”

Sheriff James Varney described the matter as a ‘serious case’ and deferred Collins’ sentencing until social work reports can be prepared.

He is due to return to court on January 8.