Upset by the “rough patch” in their six-year relationship, desperate stalker James Austin Yarwood monitored the movements of his ex-partner with the aid of electronic devices.

There was a tracker in the glove department of the car she drove and a hidden camera beneath her tv enabled Yarwood to see her sitting on the sofa chatting to a visitor – even though he was at his father’s home in Leicester.

“We are quite shocked at some of the things we have heard,” commented court chairwoman Janet Ellis at Llandudno on Wednesday.

Yarwood, aged 30, of Lower Denbigh Road, St Asaph, pleaded guilty to stalking Keilah Stewart at her home at Abergele between May and mid-June and was given a year’s community order.

He must pay his victim, a teacher, £200 compensation and costs of £170, with 100 hours unpaid work and he must undertake a “building better relationships” programme with the probation service.

Gareth Parry, prosecuting, said Yarwood had also bombarded the victim with phone calls and texts. However she didn’t want a restraining order, to enable him to maintain contact with two children.

Craig Hutchinson, defending, said Yarwood had a good job with a motor company. He explained : “These were the actions of a desperate man trying to keep his relationship together.”

He added : There may be a time when the relationship will rekindle. The hope is that everyone will put this behind them.”