A WEST Cumbrian pensioner began stalking his wife after he suffered a stroke and their relationship fell apart.

At times, the "possessive and paranoid" behaviour of 68-year-year-old Maryport man Leslie Nealons left his wife feeling “absolutely terrified,” Carlisle Crown Court heard. The defendant admitted stalking her between February 18 and March 3.

He also pleaded guilty to theft, stealing jewellery which belonged to his wife, including a precious gold ring which was a gift from her brother.

Prosecutor Peter Wilson said the trouble began after Nealons suffered a stroke in September last year.

“He began drinking on most days,” said the barrister. “She felt isolated in the marriage as he became paranoid and possessive over her.”

The stalking began the day after Mrs Nealons called the police and the defendant was arrested and then released, with officers telling him not to return to his wife’s address.

In the days that followed, she would see him loitering outside the house, behaving in a way she described as “very creepy.” He would knock on the door but she was too afraid to answer.

He posted five letters through the letterbox, saying he wanted their relationship to resume. He also made unwelcome phone calls and sent her text messages.

The victim spoke of her relief after Nealons was arrested, saying that before this she had been “absolutely terrified.”

She told the police: “I have been scared of [Nealons]… He seemed completely unhinged. I could not tell you what he might do. I felt so isolated and completely and anxious. It’s now second nature check the CCTV.”

That became the first thing she did when he got up in the morning, she said, adding: “I’m freaked out by his constant stalking type behaviour.”

The court heard that Nealons has 48 offences on his criminal record but all were from before 1993.

Judith McCullough, defending, said the offending had come during a “traumatic and emotional phase” in the defendant’s life and there was a clear link between the defendant's at times "bizarre" behaviour and the stroke.

The barrister added: “He’s sorry for any fear or distress he has caused. He now lives well out of the area, down near Kendal.” Nealons had not appreciated the sentimental value of the three rings he stole.

They were never recovered because they were melted down, the court heard.  “He now recognises the cruelty of that theft and apologises,” said Miss McCullough, adding that he had sought help for his mental health

Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said she wanted an additional background report to confirm that the defendant had made efforts to seek medical help and to see what progress he had made.

Adjourning the case until August 12, she said: “Life changes when you have had a stroke but you need more insight into is going on in your life. Stay well away from this lady.”

The defendant, formerly of Belle Isle Street, Workington, was granted bail on condition that he has no contact with his estranged wife.