A MAN has been handed a community order after he admitted using controlling and coercive behaviour against his former partner.

Nicholas Melville, of Bushey Lane, Rainford, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old had previously admitted coercive and controlling behaviour against his former partner Caroline Worsfold, from Buckley in Flintshire, North Wales.

Simon Mintz, prosecuting, told the court the two were in a relationship for about two-and-a-half years starting in June 2016.

At the start of the relationship Melville identified as a woman, named Nicola, and later transitioned to his present gender and took the name Nicholas Melville.

The court heard Melville started to show jealousy and created obstacles for Ms Worsfold in her social life, as well as impacting on her nursing degree at the University of Chester.

Among other matters, he would accuse her of sleeping with others and would take the keys to her car, leaving her unable to get to work and to university.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Ms Worsfold said Melville’s behaviour left her in fear, caused a general loss of trust and led to anxiety.

The court heard Melville - currently residing at a hostel in Chester - is of “exemplary previous character,” having served in his local police force.

Siôn ap Mihangel, defending, told the court: “This is a very sad case, in my submission, for all concerned.

“Nicholas Melville had to travel abroad to pay privately for his treatment.

“When he received it he came back to the UK and there was no support whatsoever in the community.

“He doesn’t have close family contacts and doesn’t speak to his mother.

“The one person he felt loved him and would support him unfortunately didn’t feel the same.

“That is the sad realisation for him.

“He still doesn’t receive any support and he tells me he has to pay for his treatment to continue in the UK.

“[Melville] is still going through the process and there’s another operation he will have to go through.

“He did turn to his former employer and asked if he could be reinstated part way through the process.

“He was told he would have to wait until his 12 month sabbatical was completed.

“There will be consequences for his plea with his former employer - he had a long career in the force.

“I am reassured that he understands that relationship (with Ms Worsfold) is over and he doesn’t seek to rekindle that in any way.

Judge Nicola Jones told Melville: “You have no previous convictions and you’re an individual of exemplary previous character.

“You served your local community in the police force until your current sabbatical.

“You have considerable, complex mental health needs because of your transition and I have taken that on board.”

Judge Jones handed Melville a high level community order of two years, with 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

The judge also made him subject to a 10 year restraining order