A TRAUMATISED mum who felt “trapped by fear” wept in court as an ex-partner who repeatedly breached a non-molestation order was spared an immediate prison sentence.

Kirk Matthews, 31, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court after admitting repeated breaches of a non-molestation order prohibiting contact with a former partner.

The victim attended the sentencing hearing, listening to proceedings behind a protective screen.

In a statement read out on her behalf, she said: “As a parent you are meant to be your child’s superheroes.

“I stayed because of the constant fear that Kirk instilled in me, that he would have my child taken away from me.

“He kept me trapped by fear.”

The court heard she had lost a considerable amount of weight over over the past year and had suffered panic attacks.

She added: “I have not slept for such long periods, not always through lack of trying, will pass out and not remember doing so.”

She said the stress she was under as a result of Matthews’ behaviour had left her hair falling out, adding: “There are times I have briefly lost my vision. My psychiatrist says this is the most extreme reaction the body can have to stress.”

The victim said she held the honest belief Matthews “would never leave her alone”.

The court heard after the order was put in place in March last year, Matthews breached it the following day.

After further breaches, he was hauled into custody, where he “tried to shift the blame” on to the victim.

The court heard Matthews had not contacted the victim since September.

Judge Christopher Morgan sentenced Matthews, of Bromley Road, Colchester, to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 21 months.

He ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He imposed a restraining order lasting five years, banning direct or indirect contact.

He said: “You have, over the period I am concerned with, and prior to that, visited upon [the victim] extreme emotional abuse.

“She is and will remain suffering from anxiety attacks.

"She’s had to seek counselling.

“All this because of your behaviour, not hers."