A man who claimed he was shouting "I want my money" at his pet dog has been sentenced by a court for breaching his non-molestation order to protect his ex-wife.

Timothy Cooke, 59, was found guilty of pulling up in his vehicle and shouting at Nicola Cooke while she was out walking their dog in Caersws.

His ex-wife of 32 years shared with the court that she had been left in "constant fear" about what he may do next.

Cooke, of Newtown, was given a 12-month community order and ordered to pay the court £1,014 after being convicted of the breach following a trial in June.

The breach of the 12-month non-molestation order happened two months after a number of conditions, including not to contact Mrs Cooke, was imposed by Wrexham Family Court in February.

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Prosecutor James Ashton said it was around 10.15am on April 9 in Main Street area of Caersws that Cooke pulled up shouting "where's my money? I want my money" before shouting at their dog Wilbur. Mrs Cooke didn't respond to her ex-husband, but then contacted the police.

Mr Ashton said: "It seems to pertain money was owed when they were in a relationship.

"The defence's issue was that the defendant admitted saying the words but he was in fact talking to the dog, and the dog owed him money, essentially."

In a victim impact statement read out in court by the prosecutor, Mrs Cooke said: "I just want to be left alone. I am in constant fear about what Timothy is going to do next. Even the order has not stopped him, and I’m scared."

The court was told that it was Cooke's first conviction since 1988.

Gurleen Kaur, representing Cooke, said there was "significant" personal mitigation including "ongoing troubles and mental health problems".

She said: "Mr Cooke tells me he has suffered significant financial strain as a result of the marriage. His wife kicked him out following the separation and he has since visited food banks.

"The money was inheritance from his mother and father. It was the only money he had in savings.

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"His intention was to speak to the dog. He has no contact with his children. He considers his dog as the only form of emotional support, and he misses the dog very much and wishes to have his dog back. The dog has assisted him with his PTSD.

"There has been very significant trauma, frustration and turmoil from the separation.

"This was a very minor breach with no threat of violence. He was inside a vehicle, and it was a very short duration.

"His assets are tied to the matrimonial home, and he appreciates the frustration with how the entire separation has gone about.

"Mr Cooke does regret his actions and it was done out of frustration but there was obvious no intention of causing harm or distress.

"It is a 32-year marriage that ended in quite an unfortunate manner."

Magistrates ordered Cooke, of Ty Ceirios, Cwrt Cei Coed, Newtown, to pay a £400, £114 victim surcharge and £500 court costs.

The 12-month community order includes 20 rehabilitation requirement days to learn how best to deal with relationships and problem solving.

Sarah Sargent, chair of the magistrates' bench, said: "That’s going to be an awful lot of input from you, sir.

"It’s for your benefit. It’s taking your life forward.

"We are pleased to hear that you are working extremely hard."