A former international rugby league star has been spared prison for repeatedly pestering his ex-wife and her twin sister.
Stephen Holgate, 44, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today.
He had admitted multiple breaches of a restraining order which prohibited him from contacting Julie Holgate and Lisa Powe.
His criminal conduct included phoning his ex-wife on Christmas Day last year and then again on Valentine's Day.
A 24-month prison term was suspended for two years by Recorder Philip Grundy, who heard Holgate was suffering from mental health difficulties at the time he committed the offences.
He was made subject to a two-year supervision requirement, must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and a "building better relationships" programme and observe an eight-week night-time curfew.
Holgate, of Queens Crescent, Frizington, is a former Workington Town forward.
He rose to the professional ranks, represented England and won the 1998 Super League Grand Final with Wigan Warriors. He also played for Hull and Halifax.
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