Christopher Black, 22, of Downland Place, Southgate, waged a campaign of harassment against the mother of his child after their relationship soured earlier this year.

He terrified his former partner by threatening to torch her house and hurt her.

Gabrielle Henty told Lewes Crown Court the verbal abuse started when the couple split after having a baby together.

She said: "In February the defendant threatened to burn her house down to kill all in it and to smash her head against the pavement."

Miss Henty said a month later the victim was shopping when she received a call to say Black was kicking her front door.

Miss Henty added: "When she returned home she was subjected to verbal threats to kill her.

"Then in May he made telephone calls to her and was swearing at her. She hung up but he phoned back and made threats saying he would come round and kick her door in and smash her face in.

"She then received 16 calls from his mobile which she ignored then he sent numerous texts including one which read, 'Pick up the phone or I'll have to come to your door'.

"She said she didn't want anything to do with him."

Black, who admitted harassing his ex-partner between January and May this year will be jailed until his sentencing.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall adjourned sentence until September 23 so reports could be made, telling the court: "I need to know what kind of risk he presents."