An unemployed man sent 98 texts racially harassing a social care worker, a court heard.

Andrew Larner, 48, of Lyndhurst Way, Istead Rise, directed the messages at Kent County Council social worker Esther Danquah — 79 of them in the early hours of Wednesday, November 2, last year.

Mrs Danquah, who works at Joynes House, Gravesend, became Larner’s social worker in 2016 to help mediate with his ex-wife and daughter.

Mrs Danquah had been dropping Larner’s daughter off at his house for unsupervised visits but when she told him she could no longer do it, he began to harass her.

Larner, who claimed to suffer from post traumatic stress after an accident 20 years ago which rendered him unable to work, was found guilty of racially and religiously aggravated harassment without violence, and harassment without violence at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court last month.

He was back before magistrates, this time at Medway, last week for sentencing.

He was jailed for 120 days, suspended for 18 months, ordered to take part in a 30-day rehabilitation programme and issued with an 18-month restraining preventing him from contacting Esther Danquah or visiting Joynes House without prior arrangement.

“This was a public servant doing a job; this is why we take a very dim view.” — Chairman of the Bench Stephen Binning

He was also ordered to pay £600 court cost and £150 victim surcharge.

Mrs Danquah said in a victim impact statement: “My whole life at work and home has changed.

“I have to make sure my doors are doubled locked and I look about when leaving. I hold a panic alarm and have had my work number changed.

“Calls have to go through admin to talk to my clients.

“I used to work late. I can no longer do this as I’m wary I can be attacked.”

She added: “Being told to burn in hell and go to hell for doing my job is extremely upsetting.

“He has attacked my religion, personality and race.”

Defending Larner, Margaret Hyde said: “In relation to the offence he felt that he was standing up for his daughter.

“He felt he could no longer see his daughter. He told me he is not racist and comes from a multicultural background.

“He told me he is ashamed to have sent the messages.

“He didn’t send most of the messages to Mrs Danquah but to the complaints department.

“He accepts his behaviour was not acceptable.

“His daughter is his world. He was so angry he was just thinking about his daughter and not what he was sending.”

Chairman of the Bench, Stephen Binning said: “This was a public servant doing a job; this is why we take a very dim view.”