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04
Apr
Man admits stalking woman in Harrogate
A man has admitted stalking a woman in Harrogate by turning up at her house unannounced.
Andrew McColl, 67, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (April 2) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
McColl, of St Roberts Mews, admitted one count of stalking a named victim between September 11 and September 19, 2025.
Alison Whiteley, prosecuting, told the court that the 67-year-old had been in a relationship with the victim for two-and-a-half years before it ended.
Ms Whiteley said when the victim stopped responding to McColl’s messages, he became “unpleasant”.
She said:
He attended her address on a number of occasions uninvited and posted a letter. He then threatened to tell her parents about this.
In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the victim said she felt “scared” and “unsafe in her own home”.
She added that she felt “unsafe when there are noises in the night” and worried about going into town on her own.
Brian Nuttney, defending, told the court that McColl had pleaded guilty to the offence at the earliest opportunity.
He added that the 67-year-old was remorseful for what had happened.
Mr Nuttney said:
He accepts that his behaviour was shameful and takes full responsibility for that.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be made. McColl will appear again at Harrogate Magistrates Court on June 5, 2026.
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