A SKIPTON man who harassed his elderly neighbour by repeatedly asking for food and money, has been given a community sentence.

Vincent Hawkins will also have to stay away from the 79-year-old or even look through his windows and pay him £200 compensation.

Hawkins, 38, visited his neighbour in North Parade several times a week, banging on the door and window to be let in, sometimes late at night, Skipton magistrates heard.

On one occasion, in December last year, he pushed past the man, who fearing for his safety, handed over a bottle of cider, the court was told on Friday.

When the man told Hawkins he would be telling the police, Hawkins responded by saying it would be the man's word against his.

The man also put up a board at his window in an attempt to shield himself from Hawkins, but he would respond that he could "see him inside".

The court heard that the 79-year-old had feared for his safety, had been extremely frightened and had asked for a restraining order against Hawkins.

Hawkins, who admitted harassment, between September 1 and December 14 last year, had turned to alcohol at the time following a difficult period of his life, the court was told in mitigation.

He had been living more or less a destitute life in his flat and had pestered his neighbour for food and money to buy alcohol, said John Mewies.

He added since December, Hawkins had turned his life around and was now a responsible parent, with custody of his young child.

He had been friends with his neighbour in the past and had carried out small jobs for him, but accepted what he had done amounted to harassment of the elderly man, said Mr Mewies.

He was handed a 12-month community order with supervision and a prohibited activity barring him from direct or indirect contact with his neighbour. He will also have to attend a non-residential low-level drugs programme for six months.

Magistrates also imposed a restraining order until further notice, excluding him from contacting his neighbour, entering his home or looking through his windows.

He will also have to pay £200 compensation to his neighbour and costs of £145.