A MAN who made his neighbour feel "caged" in her own home has been given an “opportunity”.

Scott Barlow, of Leinster Street in Runcorn, has been handed a two-year community order after admitting to stalking and two counts of assault.

A statement from the victim was read out by Jayne Morris, prosecuting, at Chester Crown Court on Monday (February 12), in which she said the ordeal left her afraid to leave her house.

She said: “The emotional and psychological impact of Scott’s behaviour cannot be underestimated.

“I feel caged, I am always looking over my shoulder.

“It has impacted my social life and inhibited my ability to trust others.

“I constantly had a feeling he was listening to what I was doing. I have avoided doing things such as going to the gym or taking my son to the park in case Scott follows me.”

Ms Morris explained that Barlow, 35, entered a relationship with his neighbour in July of last year.

On the night of September 23, Barlow was staying at the victim’s address, having drunk three or four bottles of wine between them.

They were looking at the victim’s phone when a message popped up from a male friend, resulting in Barlow lashing out.

“He swore at her and was abusive towards her. He was becoming very angry and the situation was escalating,” Ms Barlow said.

“He verbally abused. He refused to leave, fixated on the message.

“He got right up in her face, almost spitting at her. She feared at that point she was going to be assaulted. She was physically shaking.”

Police were called and attended the next day.

Police constable Andy Collict arrived and noted the house was already “very crowded”, with Barlow being “verbally aggressive” towards officers and refusing arrest.

Concerned Barlow may attack his colleagues, PC Collict discreetly removed his captor spray and grabbed Barlow’s arm.

Barlow shook him off and after being sprayed by PC Collict, kicked the officer, who fell down the stairs.

Barlow was granted bail and in the following weeks, with the victim having become pregnant with his child, the relationship started up again.

However, the victim said it “soon went downhill” and when she tried to end it, Barlow began posting notes through her door.

Defending, Oliver King said his client will do “whatever it takes” to avoid going to prison and that he is planning to move away from Runcorn, to Manchester, soon.

“When he is in relationships, his obsessive behaviour gets the better of him,” Mr King said.

“Your honour is absolutely right to say he has a problem with relationships.”

Probation only submitted the pre-sentence report to the court on the morning of the hearing, with Judge Patrick Thompson describing this as “absolutely unacceptable”.

He also questioned why the case was brought to crown court.

“It is an enormous waste of public money," he said.

“If someone had got the grip of it, this case would have stayed in the magistrates, they have sufficient power.”

Sentencing Barlow, Mr Thompson said: “You’re 35 years of age. It’s not really fair to compare you to a 16-year-old, most are more mature.

“You don’t seem to be able to handle rejection or that somebody doesn’t want to be in a relationship with you.

“A good idea might be to get some help. You have emotional difficulties with relationships. I’m going to give you that opportunity.”

Barlow was handed a two-year community order which states he must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity, 150 hours of unpaid work and the Building Better Relationships programme.

A restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim or entering the curtilage of her address for three years was also made.