A MAN has been told to stay away from a former colleague for two years after bombarding her with letters, gifts and false allegations.

John Hart, 34, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday to harassing his ex-workmate by sending her unwanted correspondence.

Hart, of Salutation Road, Blackwell, Darlington, and the woman had worked at the Inland Revenue in the town until she left in August 2005.

David Maddison, prosecuting, told the court that she maintained contact with some of former colleagues, including Hart.

In October last year, she received an anonymous letter which falsely said her partner was having an affair.

She had also received a number of gifts from Hart, including chocolates, teddies and DVDs.

She contacted him to say she no longer wanted to maintain their friendship.

Her partner also received an anonymous letter, claiming she was having an affair.

Over the coming months, she received a birthday card, flowers in the name of the man named in the letter and a Christmas card from Hart. He also watched her as she went to work.

She confronted him to say she didn't want his behaviour to continue and followed it up with a letter from her solicitors.

But in July this year, further letters were sent to people making allegations of other affairs.

James Watson, mitigating, said his client had been depressed.

Hart was given a two-year restraining order.

He was also fined £150, with £43 costs and a £15 victim support surcharge.