FORMER Premier League legend Colin Hendry has avoided jail after he hounded his ex with unwanted calls and gifts.The 59-year-old, who played for Blackburn Rovers, is understood to have waged a campaign against his ex after their relationship broke down.Andy Kelvin / KelvinmediaColin Hendry has avoided prison for harassing his ex[/caption]GettyHendry won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995[/caption]Hendry wore a navy checked suit and dark sunglasses as he arrived at the court in Preston earlier today.He bombarded the woman with calls, emails, and even LinkedIn requests when she ended their relationship.The dad-of-three turned up at her house with handwritten letters, gifts, and flowers despite her requesting him not to contact her.After being warned by the police to stop, Hendry carried on the six-month campaign.He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to harassment without violence but avoided jail at Preston Magistrates Court today.He was instead handed a 12 month community order and restraining order.In a victim impact statement, the victim said she felt depressed and anxious because of his behaviour.She also told police was unable to leave the house without fearing she would bump into him.Ten years ago, Hendry got a community order for harassing another ex girlfriend.Former Blackburn star Hendry was in defence when they won the 1995 Premier League title.In July 2009, Hendry was hit with tragedy when wife Denise died aged just 43 following a botched liposuction operation seven years earlier.Denise, who shared four children with the footballer, was killed when bacteria spread from her stomach to her brain causing meningitis.Hendry appeared 234 times for Blackburn before leaving for Rangers in 1998.There he made just seven appearances but became a treble-winner when the club lifted the league, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in 1998/98.The former defender then returned to the Premier League with Coventry before moving to Bolton.A loan spell with Blackpool would follow before he retired in 2003.The Scot is also embedded into England‘s football history as the unfortunate player Paul Gascoigne flicked the ball over for his famous goal at Euro 96.Natasha Clark, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Crown Prosecution Service North West, said: “Colin Hendry harassed a former partner for over six months after their relationship ended after she stopped returning his calls.“He ignored her wishes and breached boundaries she put in place, using multiple different platforms to contact her. “Hendry’s behaviour was intimidating and persistent, causing the victim immense distress, but despite this he initially refused to accept it was harassment.“This outcome is a clear indication that the CPS will not hesitate to prosecute anyone guilty of harassment whether this is in person or online.”Andy Kelvin / KelvinmediaHendry leaves court after avoiding a prison sentence[/caption]GettyThe former footballer pleaded guilty to harassment[/caption]Hendry’s wife Denise passed away in 2009Men Syndication