AN "OBSESSED" man who showered a musician with unwanted gifts, flowers and emails after meeting her on a dating website has admitted a charge of stalking her.

Peter James Graves, 62, showed up at the woman’s gigs, photographed her and sent unwanted bouquets, cards and gifts - including a loaf of bread - as his attempts to woo her turned into an obsession.

Vickie Wilson, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court , said Graves, of Petrel Crescent, Stockton, first contacted the woman on an online dating site in January 2013.

“The woman has no interest in having a relationship with him but the defendant continues to pursue her over the next two years.

“At first his communication is just friendly chit chat," she added. "The victim is a professional musician and performs on her guitar across Durham area.

"He starts turning up at her concerts, sitting at the back and taking photos of her. He also sends her gifts and flowers she doesn’t want.”

Mrs Wilson described Graves as “obsessed,” repeatedly contacting his victim, despite her pleas for him to stop.

The situation came to a head on Thursday, January 8, this year, when Graves phoned the woman.

In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “I answered the phone and a voice said ‘Hi this is Peter Graves.’

“He started taking and I was dumbfounded. He said he wanted to clear the air between us. He said I was amazing person, caring and thoughtful, with a great sense of humour.

“He said I was a beautiful woman. I was stunned and couldn’t speak.

“He then said if there was nothing between us that was okay but if there was a chance of something between us that was great. I told him I never wanted to be in a relationship with him and asked him to leave me alone.”

Graves, a former local authority worker with no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to stalking.

No mitigation was given at this hearing but the court heard that he had never been threatening or abusive in his messages.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, February 12, for probation reports.

Graves received conditional bail.