A harasser will be assessed by a psychiatrist after an Oxford judge ordered mental health and probation service reports.

Jack Chapple, 34, sent unwanted messages to a man between February 24 and May 13 this year.

The messages were sent in breach of a restraining order imposed last April, when Chapple received a 12-week suspended sentence, and left the victim fearing for his safety.

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The Botley man, of Cope Close, pleaded guilty at the magistrates’ court to harassment and breach of a restraining order.

He was due to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

But his barrister, Peter du Feu, asked the judge to adjourn sentencing for the preparation of a psychiatric and probation report.

He said his client suffered from a borderline personality disorder and no pre-sentence reports had been ordered when Chapple pleaded guilty to the offences before the justices in May.

Recorder John Hardy QC agreed to the request, adjourning the case so the probation service and a psychiatrist could look at reasons why Chapple should not go to custody.

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He added: “If there is no such reason you can expect the court will come down hard upon you. But if there is some reason perhaps that may prove a mitigating factor.”

Chapple was remanded in custody until the next hearing on August 11.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward