A WOMAN told police her life had been shattered when she received more than 200 phone calls from the same man, some of them of a sexual nature, and others threatening violence, a court heard yesterday.

Claire Gibbin had also spoken of being spied on by Jason Peter Hill, his solicitor Geoffrey Rogers said. Mr Hill denied two charges at Harrogate Magistrates' Court.

Hill, 31, of Lynbrook Close, Thirsk, is accused of harassing Miss Gibbin by persistently making calls to her Knaresborough home on his mobile phone, during the day and night, on October 6.

He is also charged with using a public telecommunications system to cause her annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety between October 6 and November 8.

No outline of the evidence against Mr Hill was given, but when he successfully applied for legal aid, Mr Rogers told the bench a large number of sexually abusive calls were alleged, among more than 200 which the Crown claimed had been made.

"She also says Mr Hill was spying on her, effectively stalking her, and she says her life has been shattered as a result," said Mr Rogers.

"It is also alleged that during some of the calls there were threats of violence including on one occasion, 'I'm gonna have you'."

Presiding magistrate John Carter adjourned the hearing until December 18, when a trial date is expected to be fixed