A jilted businessman who fitted a tracking device to his ex-girlfriend's car so he could follow her and her new partner has walked free from court.

Stephen Williams, of Halstow Close in Maidstone, bought the £590 gadget from a private investigator after his six-year relationship with his victim ended in October.

The court heard the woman deleted her email account and blocked Williams’ number to prevent him from contacting her, but she continued to get half a dozen calls a week from an unknown number.

James Nichols, prosecuting, described how the victim received voicemails from her ex, which while not abusive had made her fearful about what he might do. She also described feeling emotionally blackmailed after Williams threatened to commit suicide over the split.

Then, days before Christmas, the 47-year-old fitted a GPS device to his ex’s car exhaust.

She and her new partner grew suspicious after Williams turned up wherever they went. On one occasion he followed them out of a gym, beeped the horn of his car and waved at them.

The court heard his victim was left terrified of going out after discovering the tracker, 10 days after it was installed.

Williams, who runs Allure Laser Salon in Lower Stone Street, pleaded guilty to stalking at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

It emerged the divorcee had also been sentenced for harassing his ex-wife in 2012.

John Roberts, defending, said: “It is clear from what we have heard about his previous convictions he does have some issues when it comes to break ups and the acceptance of the end of a relationship.”

But he said Williams was unsure of where he stood with his ex partner, and wanted closure. The court heard he had suffered a seizure on Christmas Day due to the stress of the break up.

Sentencing, district judge Justin Barron said: “The use of a tracking device makes this all the more sinister. This was more than just a text message you could ignore. It’s a serious thing that could cause a lot of fear to people.”

Williams was given a two month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with a rehabilitation activity requirement and a two year restraining order.

He must also pay £200 in court costs, and £500 compensation to his victim.