A sacked delivery driver has been put on probation for 12 months after admitting harassing his former employer.

Daniel Martin, 53, of Burr Street, Harwell, admitted making phone calls to Carol Cane, manager of the Shaw Trust charity shop in Broadway, Didcot, and stopping her in the street. Didcot magistrates heard how Martin, who had been a van driver for the charity for years, blamed Mrs Cane for his dismissal.

Clare Tucker, prosecuting, said: "Mr Martin was dismissed in April, 1997. Between then and April, 1998, he harassed Carol Cane." The court heard that on one occasion he went into the shop, leaned over the till and stared menacingly at her, causing her distress.

Miss Tucker added: "On another day, Mr Martin stopped Mrs Cane as she walked along Broadway, Didcot, and said 'Just you wait and see what I am going to do to you', before walking away." Nathan Millard, defending, said: "Mr Martin is well aware of the harassment and distress he has caused. His guilty plea stands to his credit."

Martin, who was also ordered to stay away from Mrs Cane and any premises owned by the Shaw Trust, must also pay Mrs Cane £250 compensation and pay £55 court costs.

Story date: Thursday 14 October

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