A MAN repeatedly harassed staff and visitors to the Crow Wood leisure complex in Burnley.

Blackburn magistrates heard Abdul Rafiq hid in bushes before making his views known.

The court was told he had already served a 12 month restraining order banning him from the complex but his bizarre behaviour resumed.

Rafiq, 39, of Merton Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to harassing staff and visitors to Crow Wood.

He was remanded on bail until September 16 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering the grounds of Crow Wood.

Jane Rapin, prosecuting, said Rafiq would frequently hide in bushes, follow members of staff and confront them and visitors.

"On ne occasion he approached a female guest, called her dirty and made some reference to Jesus," said Miss Rapin. "When he has been approached he has either run off or put his hands together in a praying position and apologised."

She said on one occasion an alarm had been activated suggesting he had tried to get into the hotel.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said there were a number of worrying features in the case and a pre-sentence report would be beneficial.

"There is no suggestion he breached the last restraining order so he does have some understanding of what is required of him," said Mr Bakhat.