A man sent abusive text messages to his girlfriend before smashing his way into her flat.

Darren Kenneth Mills, aged 34, of Hindley Road, Westhoughton, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, using violence or threats to gain entry and sending threats by telephone when he appeared before Bolton magistrates yesterday.

Mills and his girlfriend, Gemma Fitton, had been together for six years and have a four-year-old son, the court was told.

But Peter Leather, defending, said the relationship had been put under strain by Mills working long hours while also building a house for his family to live in.

The stress of living in rented accommodation led to Mills and Miss Fitton splitting up, Mr Leather added.

Three weeks later, Mills sent abusive text messages to Miss Fitton. He then called at her flat in Hindley Road and banged on the door, shouting abuse and demanding to be let in.

He smashed the glass door to get in and kicked and damaged an internal wall while Miss Fitton, their son and two friends hid in the bedroom. He left and was later arrested by police.

Mills had also torn the wing mirrors off a van belonging to a man visiting Miss Fitton, the court was told.

Mr Leather said that since the incidents Mills has finished the house, he has been reconciled with Miss Fitton and the family are moving into their new home.

Mills was fined £100 for the text messages and the damage, and was ordered to pay £365 compensation and £60 prosecution costs.