"Over a three-month period, he sent about 8,000 emails," he said. "On any one day, he was sending about 300, mainly to his girlfriend. He was texting

"Over a three-month period, he sent about 8,000 emails," he said. "On any one day, he was sending about 300, mainly to his girlfriend. He was texting every day, and probably spending £20 to £30 a week on texts."

The problem came to light when one of the emails intended for his girlfriend was accidentally sent to work colleagues. He was put in touch with the trust by the union, but at a later stage resigned from his job rather than face disciplinary procedures, Mr Irvine said. The relationship ended, and much of the text and emailing problem ended with it.

"It was related to the relationship difficulties he was experiencing," said Mr Irvine, who is seeing the teenager once a week. "In terms of an addiction, that isn't unusual - there are often underlying problems, problems at work, relationship problems, stress or not coping, or mental health difficulties. For him, it was all about gaining reassurance from his girlfriend, knowing where she was, and knowing what she was doing."

Mr Irvine added: "He has been very successful in cutting down the texts and the emails. He is spending no more than £10 a week on texts, which is the goal we set, and he has cut down on the emails altogether."