A HAMPSHIRE man who bombarded his ex girlfriend with hundreds of calls was “trying to win her back”, a court heard.

Alex Morley made the calls despite pleas to not contact his former partner again.

Morley left Holly Clarke more than 300 missed telephone calls, Southampton magistrates Court was told.

He also sent her dozens of text messages and emails as he tried to understand why the relationship had ended.

The couple, who began a relationship in February, moved in together in September.

But just ten days later Ms Clarke asked him to leave after numerous arguments.

Prosecutor Daniel O’Neill told the court that the rows started straight away and Ms Clarke “realised the relationship was not going to work”.

He said that over ten days Morley made numerous attempts to contact her, even appearing at the property to ask what was going on.

Mr O’Neill added: “She told him to stay with his family so she could think about things.

“She was going to ask him to move out but she needed some space.

“She told him to leave her alone.”

The court heard that 27-year-old Morley was a man of previous good character.

Mitigating Andrew Coley told the court that the announcement of the break up was a “bolt out of the blue” for Morley.

Mr Coley added: “He was trying to stay and find out what was going on as he had only just been put on the tenancy agreement and he was concerned.

“It was completely unexpected for him as he had only just moved in.

“He continued trying to call her because he was trying to win her back and get the relationship back on track but it didn’t happen.”

Morley, of Alton Close, Fair Oak, was given a 12 month community order.

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

A restraining order to protect Ms Clarke was also put in place.