A STALKER has been punished with community service for his obsessive actions towards a woman.

James Little admitted that his behaviour constituted stalking when faced with the charge before Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

By virtue of the offence that her admitted, the 40-year-old did not cause fear, alarm or distress to the victim.

However, his actions were unwanted, having been told to desist what he was doing.

The facts of the offending were explained by prosecutor Tom Quirk, of the Crown Prosecution Service.

He informed the court how the behaviour by Little in Warrington spanned a period of around nine months, from February to November last year.

Little pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of the victim by giving her gifts, attending locations where she was present and sending her messages on social media.

The court heard this this contact was all unwanted by the woman.

Little initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but he had a change of heart and admitted his offending behaviour, with this being taken into account by magistrates.

As a result, the defendant, of Folly Lane in Bewsey, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £500 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £114.

In addition, the court approved an application for a restraining order prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim or entering a named Warrington Street for the next two years.