A man became "besotted" with a work colleague and bombarded her with messages during a nine-month stalking campaign.
Raed Khirfan believed a relationship was forming with the woman after striking up a friendship with her while working in a Ferryhill pizza shop. The 38-year-old then began bombarding her with messages - despite the fact she had children and was in a stable relationship.
Despite being spoken to by the police, Khirfan again began sending her messages - some of which referenced marriage - and even turned up to her GP practice. Durham Crown Court heard his behaviour had a significant impact on the woman, who was left seriously distressed. On Friday, Khirfan, of Cheapside, Spennymoor, appeared at the court, via link from HMP Durham, to be sentenced for stalking. He required an interpreter throughout the proceedings.
