A WOMAN being stalked by her ex-boyfriend was so upset she thought about taking her own life, a court was told.

Michael Kieser "bombarded" his victim with unwanted calls and gifts during the run-up to last Christmas after refusing to accept the relationship was over.

At one point she began to suspect that suicide would be the only way she could end her ordeal, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Kieser, 37, of Manley Road, Bursledon, was jailed for two years having previously been convicted of stalking following a trial.

Edward Elton, prosecuting, said the victim received a "relentless stream of unwanted messages" after breaking up with the defendant.

Describing various incidents at the end of last year Mr Elton said Kieser repeatedly turned up at his victim's home and place of work.

On one occasion she was "petrified" of her ex-partner, regarding him as unhinged.

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"The only way she could see an end to this was to kill herself," he said.

But Keely Harvey, mitigating, said Kieser went to the victim's house "with her help and connivance".

"She sent mixed messages to a man who was struggling to come to terms with the fact she didn't want the relationship," said Ms Harvey.

Judge Nicholas Rowland said the defendant displayed "obsessive behaviour" by bombarding her with unwanted calls and gifts over a three-week period.

He added that Kieser may have misinterpreted her attempts to "thwart" his actions towards her.

As well as being jailed for two years the defendant was handed a three-year restraining order.

He was also sentenced for two offences of drink-driving and two of driving without a licence, which he admitted.

Mr Elton said the defendant was seen staggering up Bevois Valley Road, Southampton, on November 20 last year after stopping near a pub.

Police were called and he was found to be two-and-a-half times the legal limit. On another occasion he was twice the limit.

Kieser was jailed for three months for each offence, with the two terms running concurrently. He was banned from driving for five years.

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