Double stalker avoids prison
Michael Matthews was told by magistrates the charges were so serious jail had been an option.
Instead he was hit with a restraining order after stalking the women at their homes and places of work.
The 54-year-old of Clos Crucywel, Cwmrhydyceirw, pleaded guilty when he appeared in Swansea Magistrates' Court yesterday.
The court heard how he met Nichola Thornton in September last year while she was a cashier at a Tesco petrol station, and would ask her out every time he went there.
He appeared in the Lava Lounge, Swansea, while she was on a night out with friends in July this year, asked her for a drink and "kissed her two or three times on the arm".
Once home that night Ms Thornton saw Matthews sitting in his car outside her home. He then got out and put a note through her door with his phone number on it. Mark Davies, solicitor for Matthews, said: "He overstepped the boundaries on that night, and to kiss her on the shoulder was bizarre."
Around a fortnight after the Lava Lounge incident Matthews met Catherine Victoria Emma Yates at the Julian's Superstore, Morriston. He followed her home and left a card with his number on. He called on subsequent occasions, and one time attempted to find out her place of work from her mother, who was looking after her children.
Matthews was also charged with harassing Linda Davies, his next-door neighbour, by playing drums and loud rock music late at night, as well as swearing and shouting at her through their shared wall.
He had in May been made the subject of a Noise Abatement Order by Swansea Council, following complaints from Ms Davies.
In summing-up before sentencing, Mr Davies said: "Ultimately this gentleman has at no time used violence or threats in any way. Since this gentleman has been arrested a massive line has been drawn. He's been told what he can and can't do."
As well as the restraining order, which references all three women and the children of Ms Yates, Matthews was fined £85, given a two-year community order with supervision, and told to complete 160 hours of community service.
