'They were friends until she realised he wanted more,' - Man 'misread the signals' when he thought he had a chance

Blackburn magistrates heard James Brierley was told to back off by police but continued to try and win back the affection of Lucy Nicholson.

Brierley, 29, of Hope Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to harassing Miss Nicholson.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 12 day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £50 compensation. He was made subject to a restraining order for 12 months.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said the defendant and Miss Nicholson had never been in a relationship.

"They were friends until she realised he wanted more," said Mrs Mann. "She says he became jealous when she got a boyfriend and by February the comments he was making were causing her concern and she asked him not to contact her."

Mrs Mann said Brierly started to turn up at the aggrieved's address and was posting things like roses and a jack of hearts playing card.

"There was nothing threatening but she didn't want them and rang the police," said Mrs Mann.

"Since the police warned him he has turned up on the street and shouted abuse at her. She says it has made her fell insecure in her own home and as a result she has been staying at her mum's."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had strong feelings for Miss Nicholson and believed a relationship was likely.

"He says she went from being extremely friendly to not wanting to know him," said Mr Taylor. "He couldn't understand that and was initially just trying to win back her affection. He now understands the situation and says he will move on."