A MAN who posed as a woman online to mock an ex has been given a suspended sentence.

Wayne Roberts pretended to be Anna Jacobs on Facebook and contacted his former partner in messages degrading her after they broke up.

It was the third breach of a non-molestation order, made in November 2016, which the 43-year-old blamed on "drinking".

Southampton Magistrates' Court heard a victim statement read by prosecutor Richard Oakley, which said the former post officer worker had left his ex "frightened" and "scared to use Facebook".

It said: "I used to be a social person, but not any more. I won't even go out food shopping."

The court heard that on May 28, the victim received a friend request from Roberts. Unaware it was him, the complainant accepted the request and was then sent numerous images before using abusive language.

Roberts, who hung his head throughout the hearing, was caught after the victim's new partner added him and the defendant gave out his telephone number to him.

The court heard that Roberts had suffered "mental health issues" and "depression" following the break-up and that he had become a "binge drinker".

However, since the third breach of the order, he had given up alcohol.

Magistrates said Roberts had caused the victim "psychological harm".

Roberts, of Burgess Road, Southampton was sentenced to 18-weeks imprisonment, suspended for 24-months.

He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.