Thursday 29 September 2022 04:56 PM Infatuated pensioner, 77, who stalked elderly widow, 77, avoids jail trends now
An infatuated old man of 77 who hounded an elderly widow with gifts, marriage proposals and a card wishing her a 'horrible birthday' has walked free from court.
Welshman Douglas Dabb made 330-mile round trips to pester Wendy Winstanley, also 77, in her home town.
Dastardly Dabb - who met Wendy on a Saga-style holiday - would turn up unannounced at her local church whenever she was volunteering at events.
Mrs Winstanley rebuffed Dabb's advancers but the retired Hitachi worker sent her abusive messages and cards wishing her a 'horrible birthday.'
He followed this up with a letter where he wished her ill health and hoped she would fall victim to a serious road traffic accident.
During her ordeal Mrs Winstanley of Sandbach, Cheshire, had to ask fellow parishioners to act as lookouts for her in case he turned up at church services or fayres.
She was so fearful of her unwanted admirer she was said to be 'white as a sheet' and sobbing to her local vicar when Dabb managed to sneak inside the building whilst she stood in the pews area.
At Warrington magistrates court, Dabb who lives in the former coal mining village of Cwmaman near Aberdare, South Wales admitted stalking Mrs Winstanley and was fined £288.
Welshman Douglas Dabb, 77, met widow Wendy Winstanley on Saga-style cruise holiday trip
Dobbs met Wendy Winstanley (pictured), 77, on holiday five years ago and continued to meet over several more. They were never in a relationship and were only friends, with Mrs Winstanley 'making it clear she wasn't interested in anything more', the court heard
Laura Simpson, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant and the victim met on a cruise approximately five years ago, whereby they struck up a friendship. He visited her on one occasion for a sightseeing tour before going back to his home in South Wales.
'There were a number of incidents which have caused distress to the victim. In June 2021, the victim began a relationship with another male.
The defendant queried if he could stay over and she said she didn't feel it was appropriate with the new relationship.
'The defendant's behaviour then changed towards the victim, 'He sent her a birthday card with nasty comments, wishing her bad health and wishing her a horrible birthday. He left flowers and a card taped to a gate post.
'In October, she warned her church group about the defendant. She was concerned about what he may do next. Then in November, she was managing a stall at her church fair when she saw the defendant. This is in Sandbach - the defendant lives in South Wales.
'She was distressed and broke
