Terrence Nichols, of Damselfly Road, Ipswich, was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years when he appeared before the town’s crown court.

Nichols had previously admitted to his seventh breach in eight months.

Prosecutor Simon Spence said Nichols had been in a volatile two-year relationship with Kelly Drew, which was punctuated by incidents of violence.

A restraining order was granted in March 12 last year prohibiting Nichols from having any contact with Miss Drew.

However, on November 18 she was in her Felixstowe flat when she began to get threatening text messages at around 1.40pm.

By 6.30pm she had received 57 abusive messages from Nichols.

The court heard these came after Miss Drew had been out with her new boyfriend, and Nichols’ mother, the previous evening.

At the time Miss Drew was trying to move on with her life after separating from Nichols.

After he was arrested Nichols originally told police Miss Drew was still in possession of his mobile phone and the SIM card.

Mr Spence said Nichols alleged she was trying to set him up in some way.

Judge David Goodin was told Nichols breached his restraining order on six previous occasions.

Nichols had written a letter to the court detailing his remorse and stating his was under the influence of alcohol during the latest breach.

Craig Marchant, representing Nichols, said: “They are disgraceful text messages, there’s no doubt about it.

“One wonders how it was possible to send all those within the time available.”

The court was told Nichols had been in remanded in custody since November 19 last year and he accepted he and Miss Drew could no longer be together.

Judge Goodin told Nichols: “You are in control of your destiny, and at 23 you have got no business blaming Miss Drew for the decisions you make. It may well be if your relationship is at an end that’s the best thing for both of you.”

Attached to Nichols’ suspended sentence was a supervision requirement. He must also attend a domestic violence programme.