A DUNFERMLINE man started stalking an old work colleague he had not seen for 30 years.

Taxi driver Neil Shand, 52, of Blacklaw Road, found himself in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on several occasions between 26th June and 11th December last year in Rosyth, he engaged in stalking behaviour towards the woman.

He sent her unwanted messages, cards and gifts then persisted in contacting her after being warned not to by the police.

The court was told Shand and the woman had worked together at a local hotel three decades ago.

They had not seen each other since but bumped into each other in a Tesco supermarket.

This chance meeting led to Shand showering the woman with unwanted attention for more than five months including repeatedly going to her home.

Even after he was warned by police to stop, he continued.

Defence solicitor Aime Allan said her client was a first offender and had been “the author of his own misfortune as he was given the opportunity to desist but did not”.

She added: “He felt they were friends but she did not regard the relationship in the same way. He now knows this behaviour was unacceptable.”

She said that Shand does work for a local charity but his taxi licence could be at risk because of the offence.

Sheriff Krista Johnston imposed a community payback order with 55 hours of unpaid work.

A lifelong non-harassment order has also been put in place.