Newbury man Martyn Cooper harassed woman

A MAN who denied he was a stalker has been convicted of harassment instead.

Martyn Cooper appeared in the dock at Reading magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 4.

At a previous hearing the 44-year-old, of Racecourse Road, Newbury, pleaded not guilty to pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to stalking Lucy Cooper by attending her home, sending letters and sending gifts on multiple occasions in Newbury between October 19 and November 3 last year.

At Friday’s hearing, Cooper pleaded guilty to a charge of harassing Ms Cooper by the above behaviour.

The prosecution subsequently offered no evidence on the stalking charge and magistrates formally dismissed it.

Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports, having convicted Cooper of harassment.

They stipulated these should be prepared on an ‘all options’ basis, including custody.

Cooper was meanwhile released on bail with conditions.