A pest who stalked and threatened his ex-girlfriend has been jailed for 10 months.

Muscular Craig Ring badgered Natasha Eaton by phone, at her home and outside The Rose pub in Northfleet, where she worked as a barmaid.

The jealous 40-year-old scaffolder accused her of cheating on him with a pub customer and told police after his arrest: “No man would like his partner working in such an environment.”

The couple had had in a relationship for about three months and broke up in January last year after he grabbed her around the throat.

He was later convicted of harassment and battery, as well as assaulting police, but within days of being given a suspended sentence he started stalking Miss Eaton in March this year.

Prosecutor Trevor Wright said the abusive texts started soon after she began working at The Rose in Perry Street.

“He took exception and accused her of cheating on him with a customer at the pub who was also a friend,” he told Maidstone Crown Court.

"He became abusive and turned up at Miss Eaton’s home in the early hours, ringing her doorbell several times. He also drove past the pub at the end of her evening shift, pointing at her.”

Over eight days she received 21 abusive messages from Ring, so she blocked his phone. But he then called her by withholding his number.

He asked if she had reported him to the police, and later urged her to retract her statement. The harassment continued.

He was arrested on March 31.

“He admitted sending abusive voicemails but said he believed she had been cheating on him,” said Mr Wright.

“He said he didn’t like her working at the pub. He said he believed no man would like his partner to be working at such an establishment.”

Ring, of Old Road West, Gravesend, admitted stalking causing serious alarm or distress.

Alex Radley, defending, said Ring had since been diagnosed as bipolar and prescribed medication.

"No man would like his partner to be working at such an establishment" - Craig Ring

He was jailed for five months with five months consecutive for breaching a 22-week sentence suspended for two years.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said the sentence could be significantly reduced because of his guilty plea and his progress in dealing with his mental health problems.

“That demonstrates you are taking control of the position, seeking help and taking courses, and now you are on medication which provides some stability,” he added.

“I am sure you understand the importance of you taking that medication.”

A restraining order banning contact with Miss Eaton was made for 10 years.

Mr Radley said Ring now accepted the relationship was over.