A MAN who was banned from contacting his ex-partner left a message on a Christmas present which he gave his young children to deliver.

David McCormack breached a non-molestation order when he left an “affectionate” message to his estranged-wife on a Christmas present gift tag.

He gave the present, a watch, to his children during an organised visit.

She later discovered the note and called support services.

Prosecuting at Southampton Crown Court, Natalie Angel said the message was written in McCormack’s handwriting.

She said: “The note said ‘To mum, have a lovely Christmas, from the kids’ names’. It then said ‘I kangaroo poo, long after my bones are dust’.”

Miss Angel said the words “kangaroo poo” referred to a term used between the pair as a replacement for “I love you”.

But Miss Angel said the gift

contained a gold watch which she had previously asked for during their relationship.

She then checked the tag attached and saw the message, which left her feeling “scared and panicked”.

The court heard she was also concerned that the watch may contain a tracking device – though no such device was found. Miss Angel said the note breached a non-molestation order, imposed in September last year.

Mitigating, Chris Gaiger said McCormack had sent the present with “good intentions” but that he accepted he had breached the order.

He added that the 45-year-old had previously been a man of good character.

Magistrates decided to fine McCormack, 45, who now lives in Warrington, Cheshire. £150, magistrates and ordered he pay a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

A restraining order, preventing McCormack from contacting his victim, was also imposed for a year.