Man found hiding in ex-girlfriend's wardrobe with knife

A Douglas man who was caught hiding in his ex-girlfriend's wardrobe with a knife will be sentenced next month.

30-year-old Wayne Charles Smith, of Mona Drive, appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday where he admitted his conduct had caused her fear of violence.

He targeted the woman between November 1st and 6th last year after the breakdown of their four year relationship - he also admitted a charge of provoking behaviour from November 5th.

Last October Smith's ex-partner reported him after being harassed by a barrage of text messages and telephone calls from him.

On November 4th she went back to police after receiving further correspondence - this time on social media - which was described as of a 'threatening' nature towards her and her children.

The following day Smith was reported missing - in light of concerns for her safety police helped the woman relocate from her Lakeside Road home to a different property.

However officers were called back to the house at 10pm that night to pick up a handbag which had been forgotten - they heard footsteps and after investigating found the loft hatch was open.

A subsequent search of the attic revealed a pillow, items of men's clothing and a bottle containing urine; police located Smith in the woman's bedroom.

He was arrested and told police he didn't know how he'd got there and was suffering from "memory problems".

Social enquiry reports have been requested before Smith is sentenced on February 21st - an application for bail was refused and he was remanded at the Isle of Man Prison until that date.

A charge of aggravated burglary was withdrawn.