A Knaresborough man has avoided jail after admitting three offences.

Robert Nelson, of Nora Avenue, appeared at York Magistrates Court yesterday (March 25) for sentencing.

He was charged with stalking, assault by beating and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

Nelson pleaded guilty to the offences on January 22.

According to court documents, the 40-year-old stalked a named woman on January 17 this year.

Nelson sent the woman messages, called her and drove around an area he knew the woman to be in.

Court documents say his actions amounted to stalking and had a “substantial adverse effect” on the woman’s daily life.

On Boxing Day of last year, Nelson assaulted the same woman by beating her.

He also repeatedly engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards the woman, which went on from January 1, 2024, until December 27, 2024.

Nelson was handed a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.

Court documents say the sentence was justified due to Nelson’s “flagrant disregard for people and their property”.

He was ordered to participate in an accredited programme for 26 days, complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.

Nelson must pay £282 to the court and was also made subject to a restraining order.