A HOLIDAYMAKER harassed his ex-girlfriend with more than 20 calls and numerous text messages after they 'fell out' during a Valentine's weekend in the Lake District, a court heard.

Martin Nicholls, 34, of Lister Road, Braintree, Essex, left a voicemail for Jane Coleman threatening to "destroy your life like you've destroyed mine."

But he denied her claim that he "went berserk" and told her: "I'm going to burn your house down with your daughter and animals inside."

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Lisa Hine, prosecuting, said the pair had ended their relationship but decided to go to Windermere as friends since the break had already been booked.

However, Ms Coleman left and drove back to Essex by herself after they fell out.

A court heard that Nicholls called her more than 20 times as she was travelling back, and continued to call and text her throughout the next day.

In mitigation, Rachel Broughton said Nicholls was "utterly distraught and his emotions got the better of him."

Nicholls pleaded guilty to harassment. The hearing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.