A POOLE man admitted to harassing his ex-partner with a flurry of texts and phone calls.

Anthony Ball, of Durrant Road, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence at a Bournemouth Magistrates' Court hearing on Monday.

The court heard how the 36-year-old sent multiple messages and tried to call his ex-partner numerous times in just a few short hours on October 20.

Prosecuting, Charles Nightingale said their relationship had become "destructive" before it broke down completely.

Mr Nightingale said Ball sent 16 texts, WhatsApp messages and tried calling her no less than 42 times, during which he texted her to say he was "able to hide a body under his floorboards".

Following that last text, his ex-partner contacted the police.

Ball was given a restraining order, and ordered to pay £785 in court costs and fines.