A MAN has narrowly avoided prison after admitting stalking his victim.

Lee McQuilling was given a chance to stay out of trouble for four months by a judge before returning to court for sentence.

The 36-year-old was warned he would be imprisoned if he committed any further offences before he appeared before Judge Stephen Ashurst at Teesside Crown Court.

Nigel Soppitt, representing McQuilling, confirmed that his client had successfully kept out of trouble since he admitted a single charge of stalking.

The judge sentenced the defendant to a two-year community order.

He said: "I took the view that if you were able to show you could keep out of trouble I would take a chance on you."

McQuilling, of Station Road, Middlesbrough, was also issued with a three year restraining order and ordered to carry out 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days.