AN alleged 'stalker' had his trial delayed while further enquiries are made in the case.

The jury was sent home in the case of David Griffiths at Worcester Crown Court yesterday with the trial expected to resume today.

As previously reported, the 50-year-old of Bridge Street, Worcester, denies breaching a restraining order by sending four letters to council procurement officer Sheila Mari between December 9 and 17, 2017.

Judge Robert Juckes QC apologised to the jury for the delay, telling them there were matters that concerned him about certain aspects of the evidence. This required further enquiries which it had not yet been possible to complete, the judge said.

He told them to attend court at 10am the following morning when the trial is expected to continue.

As previously reported, the prosecution say the letters were sent to Worcester City Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Wychavon District Council and Cllr Jo Hodges in breach of a five year restraining order imposed on February 19, 2016.

The order prohibited the defendant having any contact, directly or indirectly, with Miss Mari.

Ekwall Singh Tiwana, prosecuting, said the letters were signed by Alan Taylor of Spring Hill, Worcester, but that Griffiths had 'used' him. The complainant met Griffiths in 2012 at the Survivors mental health charity in Worcester where he worked as a volunteer. Mr Tiwana said Mr Taylor had 'his problems, as will become apparent' and added: "He was picked on, we say, by this defendant to effectively sign letters."

In police interview Griffiths denied knowing Mr Taylor but admitted he knew Miss Mari, disputing that he had sent the letters.

However, Miss Mari said when she saw a copy of the letter, sent recorded delivery: "I knew it was him."

Miss Mari gave evidence behind a screen, telling the jury: "He was convicted of stalking me in 2016."

She had chaired Survivors and worked as a procurement officer for Wychavon District Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Worcester City Council as part of a shared service.

The trial continues.