A MAN who threatened to burn a woman’s clothes and installed listening devices in her vehicle has avoided an immediate jail sentence.

Barry Davis, 43, admitted to stalking and harassing the woman between February 6 and February 16 earlier this year during a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

Davis, of Little Canfield, Dunmow, confessed to a number of incidents which resulted in the stalking of his victim, including contacting her work colleagues, letting down tyres on her car, installing a listening device in her vehicle and threatening to burn her clothes.

He also admitted to recording the victim's conversations and sending her numerous text messages.

Magistrates handed Davis a six week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, during a separate hearing last week.

He was also served with a restraining order and ordered to pay £230 in costs, including a victim surcharge of £115.