A THIRTY-year-old man has admitted a stalking offence which involved him threatening to kill a Carlisle woman.

Alex Butler pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court. The charge stated that between July 19 last year and November 24 he sent persistent and unwanted messages to the victim.

On at least two occasions, say prosecutors, those messages left the woman fearing violence. The messages also included repeated demands for money, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Jeff Smith, for Butler, of Ashville Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, said the defendant would not oppose the imposition of a restraining order to protect the woman.

But Mr Smith said Butler still intended to pursue “legitimate” debt enforcement against the woman involved.

Adjourning sentence until May 20, Recorder David Temkin QC said told Butler that he must cooperate with the preparation of a background report.

He told the defendant: “It’s an all-options report and the options include custody.”

Butler was given bail until the day of his sentencing, but told it is conditional on him having no contact with the victim and not going to the street in Currock where she lives.