A STALKER caused a woman serious alarm in a months-long campaign.

David Adams entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

The court heard the 44-year-old had stalked a woman, causing serious alarm or distress in a Herefordshire town.

Magistrates heard Adams had verbally abused a woman via voice mails, contacted her by text, email, and indirectly through other people, made malicious reports to police and social services and sent items to her.

He had also attempted to access online accounts and reset passwords, made indirect contact via various organisations, beeped and flashed lights at her and looked at her and shaken his head in Ross-on-Wye between October 1, 2020, and June 30.

Magistrates said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, due to the prolonged campaign against the victim, the effect on public services, and for punishment.

Adams, of River View, Ross, received a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and must complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He also received a restraining order banning him from contacting or visiting his victim until further order.

He must also pay costs of £185 and a £128 victim surcharge.