A would-be bard was sent to the cells after posting poetry referring to his ex-wife.

Philip Raymond Stoddart, of Tiers Cross, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order when he appeared from custody at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Wednesday, November 28,

The court heard that Stoddart, 52, was subject to a restraining order which prohibited him from contacting his ex-wife, going to her home or place of work, or entering any data on social media which related to her.

Mark Layton, defending, told the court that Stoddart had written 108 poems, totalling 17,000 words, which he had posted on Facebook.

“He says he had been doing a book, almost a social commentary, where he talks about his life, other people’s lives and all sorts of different issues.

“A number of the poems, extracts, form the basis of the allegation today.”

Mr Layton added that the rhyming compositions were almost a humorous and social commentary, inspired by topics such as political correctness and his own experiences.

The court heard that farmer Stoddart, who was previously in the tyre-fitting business, had put sentiments into verse which could be interpreted as relating to his former wife, who had come across certain poems online.

Mr Layton said: “It was not his intention when writing these poems, it was just his thoughts that he was writing down. He wants to draw a line under things. It has caused him a great deal of personal distress as well.”

Mr Layton added that many people were enjoying Stoddart’s stanzas, as they had received several ‘likes’ on Facebook.

“A lot of people have put the thumbs up to his poems, and he is writing more and more.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Having considered screen-shots of Stoddart’s work, the chairman of the bench said: “While it is cathartic to write poetry, and can be beneficial, you need to be very careful about the content.”