‘Creepy’ man banned from Highland

A MAN who showered a waitress with unsolicited letters, flowers and gifts and also approached her at her home and work had his behaviour described at Fort William Sheriff Court this week as ‘frankly creepy’.

Sheriff Gary Aitken heard that James Dennis was living at Glen Nevis Cottages, Fort William, at the time of the offence between May 1 last year and February 10 this year, but now lived in Wales.

Dennis, 37, who was described as a first offender, pleaded guilty last month to behaving in a manner likely to place someone in a state of fear or alarm.

Sentencing had been deferred for preparation of a criminal justice social work report.

Procurator fiscal Robert Weir said Dennis and the woman had met when they were both employed at a Lochaber restaurant.

The woman had started finding letters left on her car after work, inviting her to go out with Dennis. ‘At some point she told him she was already in a relationship and not interested,’ said Mr Weir. ‘Events progressed and the accused had then traced the address of the witness and was familiar with her car. He left further messages and notes. The witness by this point was quite concerned.’

Mr Weir said that in one note Dennis had tried to assure the woman he was ‘not a maniac’ and professed he was in love with her. ‘The police were subsequently notified,’ added Mr Weir. ‘It is only fair to the accused to say that no malice was intended but it did cause some upset.’

Defence agent Hamish Melrose told the court it was on being interviewed by police that Dennis had realised and accepted his actions had frightened the woman. ‘At this stage, the penny dropped,’ added Mr Melrose.

‘Quite understandably, his job’s gone as a result, as has his tied accommodation, and he is now staying with friends in Wales and seeking alternative employment. And he assures me he has no intention of troubling this young lady again.’

Sheriff Aitken told Dennis it was a serious offence. He said: ‘Behaviour of this kind is frankly creepy and entirely unacceptable. I hope you realise it was entirely inappropriate and the effect it had on the lady in question.’

Deferring sentence for six months for Dennis to be of good behaviour, Sheriff Aitken added a further condition to the existing bail order already banning Dennis from approaching the woman, which stipulated that Dennis must also not enter the Highland Council area.