A PARAMEDIC who harassed his ex-girlfriend after they had split up has been given a restraining order by magistrates.

David Ball, 49, of Branchway, Haydock was convicted of harassment without violence after a two-day trial at Merseyside Magistrates' Court.

Ball and his victim, also employed by North West Ambulance, had lived together prior to their separation, after which he began to phone her and send texts and messages, said the Crown Prosecution Service.

Ball also posted about her on social media and even went to her home. He was given a harassment warning by police in February.

However, he continued contacting his victim and even went to her work supervisor to try and get hold of her. He also contacted her family members and even tried to get in touch with her through estate agents.

Lynn Clark, Crown prosecutor at Mersey Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service said: “All of this time he was working as a paramedic with North West Ambulance Service, a responsible position where he would regularly have come into contact with the victims of domestic abuse.

“One might have expected him to have some understanding of the effects of this type of offending, but apparently not.

“Perhaps most worryingly of all, he often harassed her with messages from his work mobile phone and the message were made while he was on shift, working as a paramedic."

Magistrates imposed a restraining order, which means Ball must not contact his victim in any way for two years or go near to where she lives.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge but if he reoffends during this period, he can be resentenced for this case as well.

Ball must pay £500 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and £200 in compensation to the victim.

Ms Clark added: "His victim tried to move on with her life but he wouldn’t let her. The harassment became so bad at one point, she thought of giving up her job, as they both worked for the ambulance service. But, as she said in her Victim Personal Statement which I read in full to the court, ‘I won’t let this take over my life and destroy what I have.’

“Ball didn’t use violence but there was a threatening nature to his messages that left his former partner feeling humiliated and embarrassed. She has suffered an incredible amount of stress due to his behaviour.

"The Crown Prosecution Service would like to thank her for her courage in reporting this to the police and helping us bring this successful prosecution.”

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: “The Trust is already aware of the matter which is being managed through internal processes taking into account the conviction.”