‘Obsessed’ woman admits stalking driving instructor

A “SILVER-HAIRED” driving instructor was stalked by an obsessed student who bombarded him with dozens of text messages and letters after she passed her test in only six weeks.

Robert Coughtrey, of Thornton Cleveleys, Lancs, was subjected to a barrage of texts, voicemails and letters after teaching Donna Hartley how to drive – with the 28-year-old calling at his house late at night several times.

In messages read in court, it was revealed that Hartley repeatedly asked to meet Mr Coughtrey, and in one message said: “I don’t want to hurt you but you can hurt me. I won’t tell anyone.”

Prosecuting, Pam Smith told Blackpool magistrates how Hartley had begun to withhold her number when Mr Coughtrey blocked her phone.

A victim statement read on Mr Coughtrey’s behalf said he had “never experienced anything life this before”, as the court heard the stalking continued even after he contacted the police.

Mitch Serangi, defending, said: “She had completely misread the signals.”

Hartley, of Blackpool, admitted stalking. She was ordered to pay her victim £1,000 compensation, and £200 costs. She was sentenced to eight weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months.