A Bolton man who “thinks and behaves like a dinosaur” stalked his former partner and subjected her to a tirade of racist abuse, a court heard.

Christopher Astley also made threats towards the woman’s family.

Bolton Crown Court heard the pair had been in a relationship for three months this year.

During this time he made racist comments and they separated.

And in October this year Astley began to send abusive messages on Snapchat, Whatsapp and Facebook.

The comments related to a former partner of hers.

He said she should “respect herself” and said he did not care as he “loved jail.”

When arrested Astley, 39, told police he did not have a phone.

However police found his device when they searched his home and he accepted it was his.

Helena Williams, prosecuting, read an impact statement from the victim.

It said: “I feel despair for myself and for my family.

“I feel I can’t go to work or go out.

“I feel helpless and I just want it to stop.”

Astley, from Junction Road, Deane, Bolton, appeared in court to be sentenced after admitting racially aggravated stalking involving fear of violence.

The offences took place over a seven day period in October.

Recorder Paul Hodgkinson, on hearing the facts of the case, said: “If this were not an offence committed on social media we would be convinced we were back in the 1970s by some of the attitudes.

“It makes me wonder where he has been for modern history where thankfully things have changed.”

James Preece, defending, said Astley was ashamed of his actions and after being remanded in custody did not “love jail” as he had claimed.

He also said alcohol had been a factor in the offending.

Recorder Hodgkinson, imposing a sentence, said: “I am certainly of the view that justice can only be met with the imposition of immediate custody.

“You need to change your ways.

“You are 39 years of age.

“You think and behave like a dinosaur.”

He was sentenced to 14 months in prison.