A MAN who smashed his neighbour's window and sent letters through her door has been ordered to pay almost £600.

Keith Shepherd, of Ashdown Avenue in Durham, left his neighbour "too scared to answer the door" after he banged on it and tried to force his head through a small window, County Durham and Darlington Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

The 62-year-old pleaded guilty two charges of harassment without violence and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

Prosecutor Rachel Dodsworth told the court Shepherd's neighbour had bought him food and alcohol, and after consuming the alcohol, he sent the victim letters that became "more threatening".

Paul Donoghue, mitigating, said Shepherd was drinking alcohol on a regular basis and he "couldn't think of a worse gift" to buy him.

Shepherd was ordered to pay a fine of £372, compensation of £100, court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £37, and was given a 12 month discharge for criminal damage.