A HEREFORDSHIRE stalker has been handed a 15-year restraining order after following a woman.

Michael O'Neil entered a guilty plea after previously pleading not guilty when he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard the 68-year-old had pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of a woman in Hereford, following her, attending her address, loitering waiting for her, and approaching her between September 1 and October 21.

The case was previously adjourned for a pre-sentencing report to be carried out.

O'Neil, of St David's Rise, Little Dewchurch, was sentenced by Hereford magistrates, who handed him a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years, as the victim was highly distressed by his behaviour, which included shouting at them, and due to his previous convictions and previous breaches against the same person.

He was also handed a 15-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim, costs of £250, and a £128 victim surcharge.