A HOMELESS Carlisle man got into a row with his former partner, and sent her threatening messages via Facebook, a court heard.

Ashley Thomas Miller, 26, told the woman that he was not afraid of going to jail as he complained about not being able to recover goods which he said were his after the relationship broke down.

He admitted an offence of harassment without violence over four days last month.

At Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, the defendant said he was now living in the city's John Street hostel for homeless men.

Prosecutor Adrian Hollamby said his relationship with the woman involved had ended as a result of domestic violence.

On Thursday, March 21, the woman received a Facebook message from the defendant's current girlfriend, which arrived at 1.40am.

It said: "It's Ash: I want my stuff back and then I'll leave you alone."

He sent a further message, saying he was not afraid of going to jail.

The woman told police: I haven't responded to either message. "I am afraid of Mr Miller due to our history."

She said she no longer had any of the defendant's property.

In a further message, he again mentioned being angry, adding: "I'm not even going to say what I will do."

In court, Miller told magistrates that his head was "messed up" and that he had twice tried to kill himself. But he was now getting help from the city's Carleton Clinic psychiatric unit.

He claimed he had goods worth £2,000 that were still in his former partner's house.

"To be honest, I was mad," he said.

The defendant made reference to personal issues between him and the woman which he said gave him a right to be mad.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order, with a 27 day 6pm to 6am curfew.

He must also pay £85 prosecution costs, and an £85 victim surcharge, and complete 25 rehabilitation days with Cumbria Probation Service.