A HEREFORD funeral director has been handed a restraining order after admitting stalking a woman.

Shayne Hogg, whose business is in Whitecross Road, initially appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court on August 9, charged with one count of stalking without fear, alarm or distress. 

The 49-year-old, from Sutton St Nicholas, pleaded guilty on a basis of plea after the court heard that, between February 9 and April 5, 2023, he pursued a conduct which amounted to the stalking of a woman in Ledbury. 

Prosecuting solicitor, Mark Hambling, said Hogg was in an 'on-off' relationship with the victim after meeting her in September 2022.

OTHER NEWS:

"On February 9, 2023, the lady asked for the relationship to be ended permanently," said Mr Hambling. 

"The behaviour consists of constant letters and different types of contact, including emails, a bunch of flowers with a card and visiting the lady's place of work.

"There are different messages on a company's business page - some favourable, and some not so favourable."

Mr Hambling said that the woman made four statements in total and explained how she "has to put a front on" in front of her children because they do not know what happened, adding that it has caused her emotional distress.

The court heard that Hogg "just wanted to speak" to the woman, and "was sorry how it ended". 

ALSO READ:

In defence, Judith Kenny agreed that it was an A2 offence due to the persistent nature of the harassment, using various mediums of contact, and because of the distress caused.

Magistrates adjourned the case for three weeks and asked for a pre-sentence report to be drawn up.

Hogg's sentencing was held on Tuesday (August 29) in which he was handed a community order which will involve him undertaking a 'building better relationships' programme. 

He was also handed a two-year restraining order, which requires him not to contact his victim by any means possible or attend her home or work addresses.

Hogg was also fined £200 as well as told to pay court costs of £135 and an £80 victim surcharge respectively.