A RELENTLESS stalker harassed his ex-partner for over three months and even tailed her car as she drove to Greenock police office.

Aaron McBryde — who has three convictions for assaulting the woman — also bombarded her with text messages and turned up at her place of work.

McBryde, 44, was seen parked in his car outside her home and he repeatedly knocked on her door during his alarming course of conduct.

The former taxi driver — who was stripped of his cabbie's licence due to his violent offending — constantly pestered the woman in a bid to rekindle their troubled relationship.

Prosecutor Joanne Gilmour told the town's sheriff court: "By mid-November the complainer was receiving ten emails and texts per day.

"They separated in September and she made it clear that she wanted nothing further to do with him.

"On January 9 she left work and as she went to her car she became aware of the accused's vehicle parked near hers and he attempted to speak to her.

"She got into her car and drove to Greenock police office.

"The accused parked up close to her and as she started to walk to the front of the police office she heard the accused running up behind her.

"He stood in front of her and asked about restarting the relationship."

The court heard how the victim — who had suffered during ten years with McBryde — drove home and contacted police, who later traced him.

McBryde's lawyer said that he had been 'reaching out' to the woman following the death of his mother.

But Sheriff Derek Hamilton remarked: "He seems to have coped not too badly during the last eight years, by assaulting the complainer on three occasions."

McBryde's lawyer replied: "Alcohol is no longer a feature in his lifestyle.

"However, his level of insight is not what it could be and is clouded by his own emotional needs."

The solicitor added: "He hears from mutual friends that the lady may be amenable to a reconciliation."

Sheriff Hamilton said: "The background report says that if they are back together there is a risk of him further offending."

Fiscal depute Ms Gilmour confirmed that McBryde's victim had withdrawn a request for a non-harassment order.

McBryde, of Kestrel Crescent in Greenock, was placed on an electronic tag to remain within his home between 7pm and 7am each day for eight months as a direct alternative to prison.

Sheriff Hamilton told him that his offending behaviour towards the woman has 'got to stop'.