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Douglas Dabb, 77, made 330- mile round trips to pester Wendy Winstanley, also 77, turning up unannounced at her church. Magistrates heard that when she rebuffed his advances, the retired Hitachi worker sent abusive messages hoping she would suffer a fatal accident.

Now Dabb, of Aberdare, in South Wales, has admitted stalking Mrs Winstanley, of Sandbach, Cheshire. The pair met on a cruise five years ago where they became friends and he visited during a sightseeing tour.

Prosecutor Laura Simpson said: “There were incidents which distressed the victim. In June 2021, she began a relationship with another man.

“The defendant queried if he could stay over and she said she didn’t feel it was appropriate with the new relationship.

“He sent her a birthday card wishing her bad health and wishing her a horrible birthday.

She was concerned about what he may do next. In November, she was managing a stall at her church fair when she saw him.

“She was distressed and broke down in front of the vicar. She was frightened. In February he sent tea bags. She believes this relates to a conversation where she said she did not like tea.

“In March, she was at the church when she saw him. He was asked to leave but only did when police were called.”

Warrington magistrates chairman Alf Bean told him: “This type of behaviour, getting to 77 and causing distress to this person, is not acceptable, is it? “It is a pity you have blotted your copybook and got yourself a criminal record.”

Dabb was fined £288 and must pay costs and a victim surcharge of £215.

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