A three-times-married Perthshire man claimed he had been called up by the military for a “secret mission” - and he might not return - in a bid to win over a woman he had been stalking.
But when her friend dismissed his claim as “utterly ridiculous,” 64-year-old Nigel Hogg returned shortly afterwards dressed in camouflage clothing, Perth Sheriff Court was told.
The fantasist, who had met 54-year-old Hazel Macbeth at a dance class in Perth’s Salutation Hotel - and secretly left a letter in her handbag - had a two-year non-harassment order imposed this week.
He will also have to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and will be supervised by a social worker for the next 12 months after Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he had behaved more like a 16-year-old.
Hogg, of Conalter Cottage, Crieff, admitted engaging in a course of conduct which caused the female fear or alarm between April 18 and July 7, 2019.
Depute fiscal Michael Sweeney gave the background to a catalogue of incidents which took place at Ms Macbeth’s home in Stell Park Road, Birnam, the local post office and Perth Road, also Birnam.
In one of his letters to her, giving his contact details, the accused asked her not to be “spooked” by his behaviour.
He also mentioned how “attractive” he thought she was and how “her look had almost made his legs give way when they were dancing.”
Ms Macbeth didn’t reply but several days later she returned to find a bouquet of flowers on a bench in her back garden, along with a card which was signed off “Nige.”
He stated that he hadn’t heard from her and he was “gutted.”
The fiscal said she became “uncomfortable” that he had been to her house - and particularly in her back garden.
She decided to reply on that occasion, emailing him and telling him his actions were “frightening her and he was to stop immediately.”
On July 5, 2019, Hogg went into Birnam Post Office and spoke to postmistress Kelly Annets, a friend of Ms Macbeth, who had also attended the dance classes.
“He said he had been called up by the military for a secret mission and he was certain he wouldn’t come back.”
The postmistress “immediately informed” Ms Macbeth - and she contacted the police.
Solicitor Pauline Cullerton said her client was a first offender and had never previously been in trouble with the police.
“At the time he was having difficulties at home and was extremely unhappy.”
His behaviour was out of character and he was remorseful.
A friendship had developed but she added: “I think he thought it would go further than a friendship.”
Imposing the court orders, Sheriff Foulis said: “It was pretty clear from the content of one of the letters that he knows virtually from the off that the complainer doesn’t want anything to do with him in developing the friendship - yet he persists.”
Hogg has been banned from approaching or contacting or communicating with Ms Macbeth in any way or entering Stell Park Road.
