A man who stalked his ex-partner, including hiding under her bed, is now starting an 18-month prison sentence.

Kevin Rainbow, 28, from South London, appeared for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court today having pleaded guilty to stalking harassment, criminal damage and common assault.

After he continually tried to contact his ex-partner, 31, she went to stay with her parents in Rusper, near Horsham.

However Rainbow followed her and on the evening of January 27 he was spotted outside of the house sitting in his parked car.

His ex-partner was outside and when she ran back towards the house he grabbed her - only being stopped by the intervention of her father.

The police were called and when taking statements from the family a sound was heard from upstairs.

Officers rushed upstairs and found Rainbow hiding under his ex-partner's bed.

Judge Shani Barnes, said: “I consider you to be a dangerous individual and suggest that you present a high risk of further harm, both physical and emotional, to your ex-partner.

“You clearly would not accept the end of the relationship.

“Your actions are those of a desperate man.

“As described in the pre-sentence report you are a predator who is both relentless and manipulative in your actions,

“You have made the life of your ex-partner a misery and have terrorised your in-laws".

Detective Constable Stuart Macpherson of the West Sussex Adult Protection Team said, "This was a frightening series of events, in which Rainbow clearly showed very manipulative and abusive behaviour towards a woman who initially trusted him but eventually became terrified of him.

“What he would have done if we had not found him under that bed can only be guessed at.”