Darren Anthony Stedman, 54, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday over the crime and was sentenced to 75 hours’ community work and nine months’ supervision.

Judge Dominic Flatley stressed repeat offenders regularly found themselves behind bars.

"The protection order is there for a reason and if they are breached, the court will take a stern approach," he said.

Three years after an order had been made in favour of the victim, in July last year Stedman contacted the woman to inform her his mother had been admitted to hospital.

Though she expressed her sympathies, the defendant responded with: "Don’t f... with me."

The victim said she was not and told him she could not speak further at that time.

Stedman followed it up with "multiple nonsensical messages", the court heard.

"The defendant stated that the victim loves death and that she loves dying," a police summary said.

In less than two hours, Stedman called his ex-partner 10 times, all of which went unanswered, and he messaged her every day for the next four days.

Counsel Rose Morton said the victim had originally reached out to her client about a month before the incident to rekindle their relationship, which did not occur "for various reasons".

She told the court Stedman was under extreme pressure when the offending took place.

"You said you were drunk at the time and under a lot of stress which is understandable because your mother was in hospital, but that’s no excuse," Judge Flatley said.

While the victim did not accept the sincerity of Stedman’s apology, Ms Morton said it was genuine and showed insight into the harm he had caused.

After reading a statement from the victim, the judge said she remained "anxious and concerned" about further contact from the defendant.

Stedman was adamant he did not want any further communication and had blocked her on all digital platforms.

Ms Morton said he co-owned a vintage store in central Dunedin and worked at a grocery store in Palmerston, which would make community work difficult.

However, Judge Flatley said community work, combined with the rehabilitative sentence of supervision, was the appropriate penalty.

rob.kidd@odt.co.nz