Postman admits harassing stars

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8568222.stm

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A former postman from Oxford has admitted sending messages to a number of celebrities including American actress Meg Ryan.

Mark Taylor, 47, of Marston, ignored a previous ruling forbidding him from contacting personalities including Big Brother winner Kate Lawler.

Sentencing at Oxford Crown Court, Judge Mary Jane Mowat accepted that Taylor may have Asperger's syndrome.

Taylor, who had already served 116 days in jail, was given a community order.

'Curtail activity'

He has been banned from sending messages by any means to persons with a public profile in media or entertainment.

Last month he admitted five breaches of restraining orders which were imposed after he sent messages to a string of celebrities, among them TV presenter Penny Smith.

On Monday, he was warned that any further breaches may lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

Taylor apologised to the judge, saying: "I'm sorry, I won't do it again."

Det Con Simon Beaton, from Thames Valley Police, said: "People have the right to enjoy the comfort of their own home without this kind of invasion and we will take steps to pursue such individuals and curtail this kind of activity."