A MUM-OF-FIVE has avoided jail despite harassing her ex-partner and his new girlfriend following their Christmas Eve break-up.

Kerrie Middlehurst, of Standford Drive, Leftwich, returned to Warrington Magistrates Court on December 5 after she previously pleaded guilty to a total of five charges of harassment and sending offensive messages.

The 33-year-old admitted harassing the couple with phones calls, Facebook messages and by shouting abuse at them between December 2022 and April 2023.

She also posted a 'grossly offensive' video on the social media platform. 

At the previous hearing, defence solicitor James Edwards told the court Middlehurst acted out after her partner left her and their five children on December 24 last year.

Taking her guilty pleas into account, magistrates sentenced her to a total of eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

The court heard a custodial sentence was handed down due to the seriousness of the offences, but it could be suspended due to there being a realistic 'prospect of rehabilitation'.

Middlehurst was also hit with a three-year restraining order banning her from contacting her ex-partner, except via an agreed third party.

She is also prohibited from contacting her ex's girlfriend during the same period.

An order was also made for Middlehurst to complete up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity.