Jordan James, 25, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to one charge of stalking.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Steve Kent told the court the man had been in a relationship with the victim for six months. On May 29 this year, James sent 500 text messages to the woman's phone, in many of which he threatened suicide.

From 5am the next day, James sent 300 text messages, including some where he stated he would jump off a roof.

On June 2 from 8.19am, the accused sent 50 more texts, including one where he threatened to post her nude photos online, Senior Constable Kent told the court.

James also sent the woman five texts while impersonating his parents, saying he had attempted suicide and was on life support, before telling the victim he had died.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she is now paranoid and finds it hard to trust people. "I can't move forward with my life and I am scared for my safety," she said.

The man's defence lawyer Carlin Grant conceded James' actions were "serious and obsessive", but in hindsight his client was "in a bad place" and "sorry for causing distress over that period of five days".

The court heard the man had started a program with Child And Family Services and had no alcohol or substance issues.

Mr Grant argued his client should be sentenced without conviction, but Magistrate Ron Saines called James' actions "pathetic" and "highly destructive".

"This is a scary, manipulative conduct," he said. "But you have an unblemished prior criminal history, and made early admissions of offending to police."

The man was convicted and sentenced to a good behaviour bond and fined $2000.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.