A KNIGHTON man punched his ex-girlfriend, sent her “vile” messages, and a video of him burning her clothes, a court heard.

Gareth Morris, 33, of Radnor Drive, Knighton, admitted the three charges - assault by beating, sending threatening messages and arson - which took place in October and December 2018, and was sentenced at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Stephen Davies, prosecuting, told the court that the pair had been in a relationship, which ended in July 2018, but that he still lived at her address.

On Friday, October 19, Morris had been out drinking and returned to the house, magistrates heard.

He punched the woman on her right cheek, Mr Davies said, and she pushed him off and went outside.

On October 27, Morris had been drinking and was outside the house. Hi ex-girlfriend locked the door but she said she must not have locked the back door, the court heard.

He was playing music loudly and texting her, threatening to kill her, Mr Davies told magistrates.

On November 2, his ex-girlfriend went out with friends for a drink and when she returned she was locked out, the prosecution said.

He sent her a series of distressing text messages to the woman and then sent her a video of him burning her clothes, magistrates heard.

Mr Davies said: “It was clear he had thrown clothes onto the fire.”

Morris told police that he was burning logs and some of her clothes, the prosecution said.

There was a large number of coat hangers found, and the clothes were estimated to be worth between £500 and £1,000, the court heard.

The woman said that Morris made “vile comments”.

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how I’m feeling. I don’t want him back here,” she said.

Jane Thomas, defending, said that alcohol played a part in what he did, but that he was not blaming alcohol, he was blaming himself for his behaviour.

“The parties are getting on well but they are not back in a relationship; and that’s why they are getting on so well,” Ms Thomas said.

They went clothes shopping together and Morris bought her £300 worth of clothes, and gave her more money towards her loss, magistrates heard.

Ms Thomas said Morris was reacting to his ex-girlfriend having thrown his clothes out of the window, the court heard.

However, the pair have “realised they need to behave like adults”.

“It’s quite clear that he and alcohol do not get along,” the defence said.

Magistrates gave Morris a two year community order, with 20 rehabilitation days, 20 better relationships sessions and 140 unpaid work hours.

No compensation was given and Morris was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and £85 in victim surcharge.