AN offender who harassed a woman also threatened to disclose a private sexual photo of her.

Mark Brandreth admitted that his actions amounted to the harassment of her, which included following her and abusing her over messages.

The 28-year-old was subsequently charged with harassment without violence and threatening to disclose a private sexual photograph with intent to cause distress.

He appeared to be sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 14, but he was told he could be rehabilitated in the community.

Michael O’Kane, prosecuting, explained how the harassment took place over a period of less than two weeks between August 2 and 13 last year.

This included sending abusive and threatening messages to her, emailing her employer with a malicious complaint and following her around.

According to the charge he was convicted on, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of her, and he knew or ought to have known that this amounted to harassment.

In addition, Brandreth threatened to disclose a private sexual photograph without the consent of the victim with the intention of causing that individual distress.

Brandreth, of Grange Avenue in Latchford, was sentenced by deputy district judge Anna Moran to a two-year community order.

This includes 60 days of the building better relationships programme, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £120 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £114

The court also approved a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim or entering a named Warrington street for two years.