A MAN who was looking for romance with a fellow countrywoman who had helped him find work and somewhere to live wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Blackburn magistrates heard that even after police had given Michal Wasowicz a harassment warning he continued to contact the woman.

And she requested a restraining order to ensure there was no further contact.

Wasowicz, 40, of Vernon Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to harassment. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £30 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge. He was made subject to a restraining order which prohibits him from having any contact with the woman for two years.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said the defendant and the aggrieved used to live in the same town in Poland. She came to England first and was then asked if she could help him find work and somewhere to live.

“She has never been in a relationship with him and has never wanted a relationship with him,” said Mrs Mann. “He has made it clear that he does want a relationship.”

Mrs Mann said the woman tried everything she could to make the situation clear to the defendant but in September the police had issued a harassment warning.

“Since then there have been repeated text messages which haven’t been threatening but they have caused upset and she asks for a restraining order,” said Mrs Mann. “She simply wants to lead a normal life without fear and she does not want any contact with him or for him to come anywhere near her.”

Daniel Frazer, defending, said it was his client’s belief that they were in a relationship.

“Regardless of that the harassment warning was given and these text messages are against that,” said Mr Frazer. “He mind was made up that she didn’t want anything more to do with him and he should have respected that.”