A man who bombarded a Rossendale charity worker with calls and letters has been placed on probation.

Gary Clawson, 40, was warned to stop pestering Souta Van Wick at Stubbylee Greenhouses Project in Bacup, Burnley Magistrates were told.

At one point there were between 30 and 50 missed calls to the victim from Clawson’s mobile phone.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Ms Van Wick was assigned as a ‘key worker’ to Clawson, who has learning difficulties. Clawson began to ring her repeatedly.

Clawson, of Holme Lane, Rawtenstall, admitted harassment.

He was given 12 months probation supervision and 80 hours community service and ordered to pay £85 costs. A one-year restraining order was imposed.

Daniel Frazer, defending, said his client had difficulties in understanding boundaries of personal relationships.