A FORMER welder has been found posting pictures of an ex on Facebook - despite being banned by the courts.

Michael Addison pleaded guilty to breaching a non-molestation order which prevented him from contacting former partner Susan Tapner.

Along with posting 12 pictures of Ms Tapner, Addison, 59, also sent numerous messages to her between September and January - months after the order was made.

Prosecutor Daniel O’Neill told Southampton Magistrates’ Court the initial order was made in 2016 after Addison had attended the victim’s property and “talked himself into the house”.

Mr O’Neill said: “He had a bottle of wine and three lagers. By 10pm he said he left his mobile in the car and went to retrieve it but when he returned they continued arguing.”

He added: “He grabbed her by the throat. A neighbour saw him grabbing her by the throat and he told Mr Addison to leave.”

Jamie Gammon, mitigating, told the court that Addison had “put the photographs up of their relationship...there was nothing innocuous about it.”

He said: “I really think if we got rid of platforms like Facebook, other social media and mobile phones it would cut domestic abuse and contact cases down by half.

“In cases like these, communication like this always rears its head.”

Mr Gammon added: “The victim in this case even helped set up the Facebook account in question, so I hope if she tries to contact him again the appropriate action will be taken.”

The court heard that Addison alleged that Ms Tapner had even text him after his last hearing.

Addison, of Burgoyne Road, Thornhill, was given a 12 month community order. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

A restraining order was made to protect Ms Tapner.