A STALKER hounded an ex-lover from behind bars.

John McDaid bombarded the woman with 30 letters and 20 phone calls while in HMP Low Moss in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

These included the obsessed 39-year-old insisting they “should be together”.

McDaid was in jail at the time for a copycat offence with another woman.

He has now been handed another 12 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct which caused fear and alarm.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard McDaid and the woman had been in a relationship for a number of years, but split in February 2019.

He was locked up for the other offence weeks later, but soon began contacting his ex.

She reminded him their relationship was over.

Prosecutor Amy Hunter then said: “From March to October, the woman received 30 letters stating they should be together.

“McDaid said he would be coming to see her on his release.

“During this time, she also received 20 calls which were all recorded.”

McDaid also contacted a friend of the woman to try and get them back together.

This person was already someone who was “frightened” of McDaid.

The stalker was later arrested in his cell.

Lorna Clark, defending, stated McDaid now wished to “apologise” for what happened.

This latest sentence will run consecutively to his current jail-term.

Sheriff Gerry Considine told him: “When someone tells you they do not want to be contacted and the relationship is finished, you have to accept that.”

McDaid is also banned from contacting his ex for the next 10 years.