A PARANOID abuser made his partner’s life a misery by controlling her then stalking her after they broke up.

Martin Beach targeted the woman in Brighton by following her, and refusing to accept their relationship was over.

The 44-year-old “bombarded” her with unwanted calls and texts, and left her feeling “powerless”.

At Lewes Crown Court Beach was convicted for coercive and controlling behaviour in a relationship, and stalking.

He was given a 15-month suspended sentence and was put under a restraining order.

Robin Griffiths, prosecuting, said the stalking took place from January to March this year.

He said: “Looking back, she realised he was extremely controlling, always wanting to know where she was. He was pretty paranoid about her seeing someone else.

“He was always calling her at work and when she was out with friends, demanding to know where she was and what she was doing.

“He would turn up at her work and home and tried to undermine her over her health.

“She told him the relationship was over, he ignored this and acted as though they were still together.”

The woman, who The Argus is choosing not to name, said: “I’m not the person I used to be, he has made me very unhappy.

“I’ve had sleepless nights and nightmare I’m very apprehensive because of the harassment, he has made me feel powerless.”

Jonathan Page, defending, revealed his client had grown up in care and has mental health problems, but accepted the behaviour was unpleasant.

Her Honour Judge Janet Waddicor said: “You bombarded her with texts and phone calls, and followed her, driving in your car as she was with her son.

“In short, you couldn’t accept that you and your partner had ended the relationship and so you made her life a complete misery.

“You were determined to make your presence known and felt. She felt she couldn’t get away from you, she was always looking over her shoulder.

“While you were previously in care, you cannot go on forever excusing your behaviour, at your age you have to accept responsibility. You don’t have to behave in this way.”

Beach, of Mill Road, Heene, Worthing, was given a 15-month suspended sentence and was ordered to complete the Building Better Relationships programme.

He was put under a restraining order not to contact the victim for five years.