Stalker avoids prison

An elderly stalker has been barred from entering Prestwick after sending a string of messages to his former partner.

Robert Boyd, 81, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court after sending letters to his wife, Elizabeth Boyd, describing what she looked like and even left a bag with a letter inside describing what she wore as she walked around Prestwick unaware her ex was watching her every move.

Depute fiscal Scott Toal said: “The complainer and the accused had been together for over 55 years and spent 53 of these married.

“In 2013 the pair divorced following Mr Boyd’s previous convictions, he was arrested in 2010 for an offence and during his time in custody, he wrote to the complainer.

“The complainer ceased contact when she moved into her new address around June 2014. She then received a letter from him which said he had seen her at the Prestwick Promenade Celebrations and had described what she was wearing.

“Following this incident, she found a bag lying outside her home, the bag contained a lunch box which contained an ornamental spoon and another letter stating that he was returning the bag.

“The accused was residing at a hotel in Prestwick at the time, the complainer contacted police and a domestic abuse team thereafter became involved.”

Defence lawyer Mr Fraser said: “The letters were written in response to phone calls he had received from his former partner. He currently resides in Northern Ireland and does not pose a threat as he is now living there on a permanent basis. His ill health restricts him from travelling.”

Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart told Boyd, who was wearing an oxygen mask in court, that in light of his poor health his sentence was deferred for one year and he was warned not to communicate with his former partner or to enter Prestwick.