A Hertfordshire man has been banned from contacting his ex-partner or her family after a terrifying reign of abuse.

The man, who has not been named to protect the identity of the victim, began stalking the woman when she ended their relationship

He would constantly ring and message her, following her and turning up at her or her family’s address, as well as threatening her and her family.

Even after being arrested, he breached his bail conditions not to contact her.

Detective Constable Mark Logan said: "He turned up in every corner of her life making her fearful every moment of the day and night, making her feel suffocated."

The order, issued in St Albans Magistrates Court on May 5 for an indefinite period, prevents the man approaching or communicating with the victim in any way, directly or indirectly, including contacting the victim’s family.

Detective Constable Kate Mawer said: “No-one should have to put up with this kind of behaviour.

"We have a number of options available to us to help safeguard victims, including working with other agencies."

Police urge those concerned about their own relationship or someone they know to call police on 101 or Safer Places on Saferplaces.co.uk.

Image by - Patrik Nygren