A ‘DISGRACED’ submariner’s career could be over after he subjected his ex-partner to a relentless reign of abuse, threats and harassment.

Gavin Short made constant threats to burn his victim’s home down as well as stalking her to pubs on nights out, leaving her “frightened for her own life”.

Short sent a string of “vile” messages to her, including ones hoping she would be sexually abused.

The 21-year-old, who has been with the Royal Navy since 2014, was told by Judge Christopher Parker QC he was a “disgrace to the service”.

Southampton Crown Court heard Short began abusing his victim after they split up.

James Kellam, prosecuting, said: “After the relationship came to an end, Short left a Christmas stocking outside his former partner’s house.

“On it there was a picture of a reindeer but its eyes were pierced with drawing pins and there was a message on it which said ‘you filthy oxygen thief’.

“The next day it appears the victim had ten missed phone calls from the defendant in which said he would never let this stop and that he would burn down her and her mother’s house.”

Short was also twice found in possession of a chisel while on the victim’s street.

On another occasion he followed her and her new partner to a pub and banged on the window to startle her.

He is not currently serving due to a broken leg, but is getting help from the Royal Navy for alcohol and aggression issues. The court heard that the service would try to continue to support Short if he did not get sent to prison.

Mitigating, Berenice Mulvanny said that as Short was no longer living in Southampton, it would be unlikely for him to contact the victim and that he “now realised the relationship was over”.

In sentencing, Judge Parker QC said: “You are a disgrace to yourself, to your mother and to the service.

“The content of some of the messages are so disgusting, so vile, that I am not going to read them out because it will embarrass your family.”

He added: “Your victim was left frightened for her own life, which is no surprise due to your behaviour and what you did to her.”

Short, formerly of Monks Way, Southampton, pleaded guilty to stalking and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, which includes the requirement to carry out 260 hours of unpaid work.

A restraining order was made to protect his victim.

After sentencing the Royal Navy said it “would now consider the effect the conviction will have on the individual’s career”.