A WREXHAM man convicted of stalking an ex-partner has been given one last chance to work with the probation service.

Thomas Forret, 36, of The Chimes, was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to stalking and breaching the terms of a non-molestation order at Manchester Crown Court in May of this year. Part of that conviction related to Forret, a heavy goods vehicle driver, placing a tracker on the car of a former partner and tracking her movements.

Another requirement of the conviction stipulated that Forret work with the probation service on completing a building better relationships course, however at his first appointment he told an officer he had no intention of complying with the order and that "he would rather be in prison".

Jo Maxwell, prosecuting, told Mold Crown Court how Forret had refused to engage with the service and that the building better relationships course "just wasn't for him". She went on to say how Forret had demonstrated extremely aggressive behaviour and was asked to leave after being disruptive at a group session on October 31.

Andrew Green, defending, told the court that his clients attitude had been completely the opposite of what it should have been, but having been told just how serious non-compliance with the order was, would now fully comply with probation if given another chance to do so.

Mr Green went on to say how his client works up to 65 hours per week and on the day in question on October 31, had been awake since 3am and was tired, although he stressed how that wasn't a suitable enough excuse for his behaviour.

He said: "He knows that his feet won't even touch the ground if he doesn't take up another opportunity should one be offered to him."

His Honour Judge Niclas Parry, told Forret that the report provided to him by the probation service was "as hopeless as it could be" and that his behaviour had not only impacted on probation staff, but other people using their services, who wanted to be helped.

He said: "I'll be blunt. I've never seen such a bad report.

"You have been arrogant and abusive to staff who are trying to help you and other people who have been in attendance.

"These people are committed people who work for the benefit of society."

Forret was given 60 hours of unpaid work to complete and must work with the probation services on completing the building better relationships course. He was also told that he will need to attend court once a month so that a full update can be given on whether he is complying with the terms of the order. He must also pay court costs of £125.