A SILVER-HAIRED stalker has been told to stay away from his victim for two years.

Malcolm Holmes, 57, of Main Street, Embsay, Skipton, appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court yesterday on a charge of stalking without fear, alarm or distress.

He had pleaded guilty to the offence on May 6, but the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

Elizabeth Wright, prosecuting, said between March 16 and April 12 this year, Holmes had turned up at his victim Allison Kenny's address in Bradford a number of times each day and had posted a large number of letters to her. He pursued a course of conduct which he knew or ought to have known amounted to harassment of her.

Holmes, dressed in a smart dark suit with an open-neck white shirt, was made subject of a community order for 12 months, a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was ordered to carry out 80 hours' unpaid work in the community as instructed by his probation officer.

Chairman of the bench Anthea Pitts said: "We also will make a restraining order to protect Allison Kenny.

"You must not communicate with her directly or indirectly by any means, including electronically. You must not harm or threaten her. You must keep away from her for two years."

Holmes was also ordered to pay £85 towards the prosecution costs and a £60 surcharge.