A TIDWORTH man has avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting to assaulting and harassing a woman in the town last year.

Alan Richard Whitear, of St George's Road, harassed the woman by pursuing her with numerous calls and messages and entering her property without consent between August 28 and 30 2021.

In addition, on August 28 2021, the 42-year-old assaulted the woman by beating her. He jumped on her and grabbed her around the neck in the dark, in her own home.

Whitear admitted to both offences on March 18 2022, and on June 9 at South East Wiltshire Magistrates' Court he was handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He is also subject to a restraining order which prohibits him from contacting the woman for those two years, and must complete a 10-day rehabilitation programme.

He must also pay a surcharge of £128 and costs of £85, making a total of £213.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.