A STALKER who painted a penis on a fence in Herefordshire has been sentenced by magistrates

Brogan McCarthy entered guilty pleas when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford at an earlier hearing.

The court heard the 19-year-old had harassed a woman in Ledbury between February 10 and April 19, sending her numerous social media messages, creating fake social media contacts, and sitting on the doorstep of her home.

He had also stalked a man in Ledbury, causing him to fear that violence would be used against him, on at least two occasions between April 19 and 26, sitting on the doorstep of his home, following him around Tesco, emailing, and calling his workplace, and stalked a second woman in the town between April 17 and May 28, sending text messages, sitting on her doorstep, and spray-painting a picture of a penis on a fence facing her garden.

He further admitted assaulting a police officer acting in the course of his duties and causing criminal damage to a police car in Herefordshire on May 30.

Two further charges of stalking involving fear of violence were dismissed as no evidence was offered.

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The case was adjourned for a pre-sentencing report to be carried out and McCarthy, of Warren Drive, Ledbury, was remanded in custody.

He appeared before Hereford magistrates for sentencing on August 1, and was ordered to pay total compensation of £225 to his victims, and received a 12-month restraining order and an 18-month community order with 240 hours of unpaid work.

McCarthy must also pay costs of £220 but no victim surcharge was imposed due to his lack of means.