A MAN who told police his former partner was stalking him was caught out – because she was 6,000 miles away.

Richard Wallace, 42, dialled 999 and said he was being followed around Marks Tey and Kelvedon by a car driven by his ex and her new boyfriend.

He did not realise she was on holiday in Thailand.

Detectives quickly realised his account was false and contacted his former partner, who gave a statement when she flew back from her holiday.

It turned out she was taking a break from Wallace, who had five convictions relating to his conduct against her.

Wallace admitted perverting the course of justice and breaching a conditional discharge and a community order when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Recorder Mark Ockelton said the false claim was part of a campaign of harassment by Wallace.

He avoided jail because he has not reoffended since the offence, on January 5 last year.

Mr Ockelton said: “You have at last got the message.”

The court heard the couple had broken up in 2012 when Wallace was convicted of assault by battery against her.

He pursued her for the next 18 months, despite being made the subject of a restraining order.

Wallace, of Ashingdon Road, Rochford, was given an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and must attend mental health treatment.