A Pembroke Dock man will spend the festive period behind bars after admitting breaching a restraining order by placing a Christmas card in his ex-partner’s car.

Fifty-five-year-old Paul Ralph Urch, of Commercial Row, appeared from custody at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday to admit the offence.

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court that the defendant and the complainant had been in a relationship, but this broke down after some time.

The complainant went to her car at 9 am on Sunday, December 15, in Goodwick, where she found a Christmas card on the steering wheel.

When the complainant opened the card, she saw a message that featured foul and threatening language inside.

The defendant had also written his email address on the card asking the complainant to contact him.

Magistrates were shown a photo of the Christmas card, and Mr. Pritchard-Jones explained that when the police searched the defendant’s home they found a car key that matched the complainant’s car.

The court heard that Mr. Urch had been sentenced previously in 2016 for 15 months for assault and for using an offensive weapon against a member of the complainant’s family.

As a result, he was given an indefinite restraining order by Swansea Crown Court where he could not contact the family.

In an impact statement, the complainant said: ‘This incident has really shaken us up. Paul has a history of violence and has threatened revenge for us leaving him.

‘Every day is a struggle for us and all the progress that we have made has been undone.’

The complainant added that her family had moved away from her previous address to make sure the defendant would never find them.

Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb said it was a very stupid way for his client to get in touch.

He said Mr. Urch wanted some high valuable items back, but should have gone to the police to explain the situation.

Mr. Webb added that the defendant was not aware of the restraining order.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case and sent the matter to Swansea Crown Court.

The defendant, who was remanded in custody, will be sentenced on January 3.