A SKIPTON man who developed an 'unsavoury fascination' with a young woman who ran a barber's shop in town has admitted harassing her.

John Thompson, 63, of Hayton Way, admitted he had developed a fascination with the woman, and had caused her harassment between September 6 and October 11 last year.

Prosecutor Nadine Clough told magistrates sitting in Skipton that the woman had owned the barbers for six years. Prior to Covid she and her team of female hairdressers saw walk-in customers and that she herself had cut the defendant's hair several times.

"After Covid the business operated an on-line booking system. The defendant had used that option and often chose her to cut his hair," said Ms Clough.

The complainant said they had a business-like connection through Facebook but in April last year she received a message from him that went beyond business. She had challenged this and he had apologised.

On another occasion the barber shop was closed but she was there with one of her colleagues. She was sitting round the corner out of sight when Thompson had opened the door of the shop and asked if the complainant was there. Her colleague had said no and he went.

She had later received another Facebook message asking her if she wanted to join him for a drink. He also asked her on another occasion if she wanted to go for a coffee. She did not take him up on these offers.

On another occasion he sent a message in relation to a Facebook post and she was forced to give him a stern reply that the police would be involved if he didn't desist. He apologised again.

Miss Clough said the complainant was left feeling vulnerable. She did not want any attention from Thompson and she would look out into the street before she left the shop to make sure he was not nearby. She says she was not assertive enough and did not want to meet him face to face.

She was uncomfortable with the attention and was alarmed when he made some reference to her home, though she did not believe he knew where she lived.

He had also been seen walking along the other side of the road with a woman and he was looking over towards the shop.

Mitigating, Keith Blackwell said it was not unusual for a client to develop a friendship with their hairstylist.

Mr Blackwell added: "As his hair cuts went on he formed a minor infatuation with this young woman. He isn't the first older person to do this and he won't be the last.

"He perceived she was friendly towards him and misread the relationship. There was nothing sinister in what he did and he had no sinister motive. He just found this young woman attractive and interesting to talk to. He deeply regrets causing her distress. She did tell him she didn't wish to have any contact with him and he has respected that."

The chairman of the bench said that while the defendant's intentions were not regarded as sinister, the 'later life infatuation' was 'unsavoury'. He added: "I suspect the young lady at the other end is very distressed by it."

Thompson, who is retired, was fined £576 and must pay a surcharge of £230 and costs of £85.

He was also given a restraining order for two years when he must not contact the woman directly or indirectly, nor contact the barbers. He must not attend the shop and must not loiter outside.