A man accused of stalking a Carlisle shop worker has been banned from the city for two years - despite being cleared of the allegation.

Michael Edward Chapman, 24, had been due to face a trial at Carlisle Crown Court over the allegation.

But after a judge heard legal submissions on the case, a barrister for the Crown Prosecution Service agreed to abandon the case. As a result, Chapman was formally declared not guilty.

In an earlier hearing, the court heard how Chapman was charged with stalking a woman who worked in Carlisle between January 8 and January 12. Prosecutors claimed his activities amounted to stalking, and caused the woman “serious alarm and distress”.

The defendant was accused of loitering outside the woman’s place of work in the Lanes Shopping Centre, and watching and following her.

Prosecutors said that for the alleged victim this course of conduct caused “a substantial adverse effect on her day-to-day activities”.

During a hearing this week, prosecutor Jon Close said the criminal trial that was planned was adjourned because of coronavirus restrictions but the defendant had been in custody since his arrest over the allegation.

The barrister then spoke of “evidential” issues - a reference to the prosecution’s inability to obtain CCTV evidence which defence lawyer Mark Shepherd said in an earlier hearing was vital for the defendant’s case.

The lawyer said that Chapman, who was living in the city centre at the time, insisted he had done nothing wrong and was simply spending time in the shopping centre and had no interest whatsoever in the young woman.

Yet as a result of the stalking allegation, he had been recalled to prison.

Mr Close went on: “Given those evidential issues, and given the length of time the defendant has been in custody, discussions have taken place between the defence and the prosecution and the proposal is that as long as the defendant accepts a restraining order on acquittal, based on the facts as set out in the statement ... the prosecution won’t proceed with the case.”

With the agreement of Mr Shepherd, Mr Close offered no evidence, prompting Recorder Tom Gilbart to declare Chapman not guilty.

Recorder Gilbart said the court can imposed restraining orders if convinced they are necessary to protect a person from harassment.

“I am satisfied it is necessary to make to make an order,” said the judge.

The order prohibits Chapman from having any contact - in person, through a third party, or via social media - with the woman involved.

“And he is prohibited from entering Carlisle,” added the judge, specifying the order will last for two years.