Unable to accept rejection, the “love-loving” Andrew Simonds constantly followed the woman after she ended their romantic relationship.
The victim was initially confused as to how the 59-year-old from Newport knew where she was all along.
He snapped a photo of her and sent it to her on WhatsApp after she and a friend went to the theater in Bristol.
Simonds did something similar while dining at an Indian restaurant near a McDonald’s in Newport.
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Prosecutor Gareth James told the city’s Crown Court, “The defendant sent her a message saying, ‘I’d like a Big Mac followed by a curry.'”
As she was leaving Bristol Airport on holiday, she received a text message from Simonds that said: “Have a safe flight.”
He also followed her on his way to work one morning when he was driving a white van in Caerleon and came within inches of her bumper.
“He pulled in front of her vehicle, passed her and started yelling and yelling at her as she sat in her car,” Mr James said.
“The defendant could not accept that she had ended their relationship.”
She found the tracking device after checking under the car.
Of her ordeal, the woman said: “My mental health has deteriorated massively.
“I feel sick all the time.”
Simonds, of Roman Way, Caerleon, Newport, pleaded guilty to stalking and dangerous driving between March and May.
He has five prior convictions, including violence, but none for related offenses.
Richard Ace, representing the defendant, said: “The defendant now realizes that the relationship has ended and regrets his actions.
“He’s a person who can stay crime-free.”
His attorney added that his client suffered from mental health issues and lost his job and driver’s license as a result of his conviction.
The judge, Recorder David Harris, told Simonds: “You were in love with your victim and you just didn’t accept that the relationship was over.
“You invaded her life.
“The impact on your victim was profound.
“She’s always afraid of being watched.”
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years.
Simonds must complete a 10-day rehabilitation program and attend 30 sessions of a “Building Better Relationships” program.
The defendant was given a three-year driving ban and a seven-year restraining order prohibiting him from contact with his victim.
He will also have to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
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