A FORMER serviceman who left the Army for the girl he adored resorted to stalking her when the love affair went cold.

Swindon Magistrates' Court heard how Philip Tomlin, 29, would wait outside Donna Scribbins' home, follow her by car and harass her with phone calls.

Tomlin, of Mulberry Grove, Pinehurst, was spared jail, and instead ordered to complete 120 hours of community service.

Magistrates also issued a restraining order, banning him from contacting his former partner for a year.

Last month, Tomlin admitted harassing the 25-year-old between March 21 and 24 this year.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports to be drawn up.

Prosecutor Paul Ricketts said that the harassment began when Ms Scribbins arrived home after work to find Tomlin waiting for her.

Later that night, his number flashed up on her mobile phone, but she did not answer the call.

When Ms Scribbins realised he was waiting the next day, she stayed in her car, but Tomlin drove his vehicle alongside, blocking her in.

The alarmed woman drove off, with her ex-boyfriend in pursuit, and headed for Swindon police station.

Undeterred, Tomlin followed her right up to the reception desk, and again pleaded with her to talk.

He was eventually escorted out of the building.

Ms Scribbins later discovered two voicemail messages on her mobile phone.

Mr Ricketts said: "The impact of this is that she was really upset and frightened."

He quoted from a police interview given by Ms Scribbins, saying: "I now feel uncomfortable going out in public for fear he (Tomlin) will pester me or force me to make an error in my driving."

He added that Tomlin had no previous convictions.

In his defence, Stephen Weighell said Tomlin had not been aware his behaviour was causing distress.

"He had been in the Army, but left because they wanted to have a relationship together," he said.

"Not unnaturally, he felt rather let down when it finished.

"He had no intention of actively upsetting her as such, and couldn't see what his behaviour was doing."

When magistrates warned Tomlin that he faced jail if the restraining order was breached, he responded by saying: "I have no intention of contacting her (Ms Scribbins)."

He was also ordered to pay £70 costs.

No order was made for compensation.

Tamash Lal