Stalker warned to stay away

A SHETLAND man who has been stalking a local married woman for almost two years has been placed on bail and told not to approach or contact her in any way while he awaits sentence.

Appearing before Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Ewen MacPherson, of Greenville, Cunningsburgh, pled guilty to a charge of causing fear and alarm by repeatedly driving slowly past the complainer’s work place, repeatedly sending her unwanted communication as well as confronting her in a public bar, between 1 March 2011 and 2 January 2013.

The court heard that the 48 year old had been warned twice by police officers to stay away from the woman.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie described MacPherson’s actions as “significant offending” and the “worst case” he had encountered.

Defending, solicitor Tommy Allan said his client did not set out to cause fear and alarm.

“This is out of his strong feeling for the person rather than out of malice,” he added.

The court heard that there was no history of a relationship between the woman and MacPherson, who had developed a misplaced affection for her without encouragement, the court was told.

Asking for a social enquiry report, Sheriff Philip Mann deferred sentence until 7 February.

He placed MacPherson on bail with the condition not to approach or contact the woman directly or indirectly, including via social networking sites.

“If you do, you are digging a rather deeper hole for yourself,” he warned.