Stalker convicted of harassment

One of the first men to be charged under a new law protecting victims of stalking yesterday admitted following and harassing a married woman. Wayne Garratt, 29, from Redditch, Worcestershire, told police that he became besotted with Leona Sadler, 44, after seeing her walking through the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon.

He told officers that he was unable to pluck up the courage to talk to his victim and instead left a note on the windscreen of her car inviting her to meet him, writing: "I know what you're up to."

At Stratford magistrates' court Garratt, a married man, admitted a charge of harassing Mrs Sadler between 23 and 25 June this year, in a case brought under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 which came into force on 16 June. Sentencing was adjourned for reports.