A DIVORCED father has been given a suspended prison sentence for harassing a married policeman who he blamed for the break up of his 17-year marriage.

PC Keith Robson told magistrates that when he was drinking in his local pub with mother-of-three Terri Harrison he was met with taunts from her ex-husband, Michael Harrison, 47, of Braemar Road, Billingham, Teesside.

Neighbours of the officer and his wife, Bernadette, received letters from Harrison asking for support in his complaint to Cleveland Police.

When PC Robson, 45, went on sick leave Harrison camped outside the George and Dragon in Norton, Teesside, to monitor his movements, Teesside magistrates were told.

Harrison was charged with harassment between November 7 and December 10 last year.

Harrison was given a six- month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, and he accepted a two-year restraining order not to have any contact with PC Robson or complain about him to his Cleveland Police chiefs except through his own solicitor.

He was also ordered to pay £20 costs.