A WINSFORD stalker who harassed a woman and sent her offensive messages has had his sentencing postponed.

Michael Ravenscroft, of Launceston Close, appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 2, where he pleaded guilty to harassing a woman without violence by repeatedly calling her, despite knowing the contact was unwanted.

The 35-year-old also pleaded guilty to stalking the same woman after he appeared at her home, and one count of sending an obscene or offensive message.

Magistrates had adjourned the hearing until Wednesday, November 30, for a pre-sentence report to be made.

Ravenscroft was granted conditional bail, and was ordered not to contact the woman, either directly or indirectly, and told not to enter a specified address in Winsford.

He appeared in court again for sentencing, but magistrates were not able to proceed as the pre-sentence report had not been completed.

Defending, Patrick Gartland explained how Ravenscroft received a phone call from the Probation Service on Monday, November 21, cancelling his appointment due to 'a lack of resources' and had not heard from them since.

Mr Gartland explained as Ravenscroft’s punishment would be a community order, a pre-sentence report was a requirement, and the sentencing hearing should be adjourned once again.

Magistrates agreed and Ravenscroft was told to return to court on Friday, January 6.