A STALKER has been handed an 18-month prison sentence after entering a guilty plea on the day of his trial.

David Furnell entered a guilty plea to one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress when he appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court in January.

Furnell's trial for one count of stalking, two of assault by beating, one of engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour, and one of sexual assault had been due to get underway at the court after he entered not guilty pleas to all charges at a previous hearing.

But the trial, which had been set to last for four days, was cut short after Furnell entered a guilty plea to the stalking charge.

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The court heard from prosecutor Simon Phillips that the 54-year-old had stalked a woman in Hereford between July 1, 2021, and May 6, 2022.

His conduct had a substantial adverse effect on her usual day-to-day activities and he knew or ought to have known his course of conduct would cause alarm or distress to her, the court heard.

Furnell, of Holmer Road, Hereford, who has been remanded in custody since May last year, was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He also received a 12-year restraining order banning him from contacting or visiting the victim, and was ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge.

The judge agreed that the other offences, which Furnell has denied, should lie on file.

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