AN anti-stalking charity boss, who followed his ex wife for nine months, has been spared jail.

Peter Noreiko, of South Beach, Troon, pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct which caused his ex-wife Elaine Ferrie fear or alarm between October 25 last year and July 25.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard he had repeatedly driven past his ex-wife’s home in Troon and made an uninvited visit to her previous home ex-wife in the village of Monkton, placing his foot in the door to prevent Elaine from closing it.

He also admitted following her at various locations in Troon, repeatedly sending text messages, emailing her, contacting her family and work colleagues to get information about her whereabouts.

The 67-year-old also attempted to enter a motor vehicle driven about by her and follow her in a car behind, beeping the horn and flashing the lights.
Noreiko, a retired local businessman, repeatedly attended and telephoned her workplace in Troon and tried to repeatedly contact Elaine by text message and emailing.

He made contact with his ex-wife’s family, her friends and work colleagues in an attempt to gain information about her.

He also followed her while in a car, repeatedly sounding the car horn and flashing his lights while driving behind his ex-wife.
In a separate occasion he attempted to enter a car driven by Elaine.

The court heard he went to South Beach Hotel, Troon to hand in letters for her.

He appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart for sentencing on Tuesday, December 6.

Speaking on his behalf, Norieko's defence lawyer, said: "Mr Norieko does not present any risk or harm to himself or others.

"He accepts that the relationship is at an end. There are no issues. All the property has been returned Ms Ferrie and Mr Norieko's property has been returned to him.

"He is self employed but has been unable to work for the last year. He has been suffering from depression. It is his intention to become employed again and he seems very positive about that.

"He knows this is a serious matter. He accepts he needs to make sure he does not approach or contact his ex-wife."

Sheriff Mactaggart said: "You have pleaded guilty to a stalking offence and I will tell you that this can attract a maximum custodial sentence.

"You have pleaded guilty to a substantially amended charge. At least you sparred this lady from going through the courts and giving evidence.

"It was clear the contact was not welcome and was causing distress. You should have deceased contact. Your behaviour caused distress for nine months."

Noreiko will complete 16 months community back order under supervision as well as 135 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

He has also been placed on a non harassment order for three years and has been ordered not to approach or contact Ms Ferrie or enter the street where she lives.