A Dunfermline gym owner began stalking his former partner after their relationship finished.

Michael Dickson, 33, of Old Kirk Road, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing for pestering his ‘ex’ after she ended it.

He admitted that between December 6 last year and January 9 he engaged in stalking behaviour towards his former partner.

Dickson, who runs the Next Level Performance Gym at the M90 Commerce Park near Kelty, repeatedly phoned her, sent her social media messages and emails and continued to do so when he was aware such contact was not wanted.

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Depute fiscal Amy Robertson said the woman had joined the gym and they had trained together.

A relationship began but in December she told him she did not want any further contact with him.

Dickson bombarded her with her unwanted messages and even when she told him to leave her alone, he continued to send them.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said: “On previous occasions they had got back together after splitting up. There was no malice in the messages.”

Sheriff Garry Sutherland ordered Dickson to pay the victim £500 compensation.

He also imposed a three-year non-harassment order.