A STALKER who followed and harassed three women was banned from a town centre library by magistrates yesterday.

Bernard Costello, 59, pestered and made advances towards the women at Darlington's Crown Street library, between May 1 and May 22, the town's magistrates' court was told.

Costello, of Greenbank Road, Darlington, had previously pleaded guilty to three charges of harassment before the case was adjourned for magistrates to study psychiatric reports.

Speaking yesterday, James Thomas, prosecuting, said: "A number of women have been targeted by the defendant, despite the women telling him not to follow them.

"It's a situation which has been extremely frightening and caused them concern."

Defending, Terry Haymer said Costello was in a difficult financial situation and asked the bench to consider the reports submitted at the previous hearing.

Costello was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order and ordered not to attempt to make contact, engage in conversation or follow the three women. He was also banned from the library.