Besotted sailor, 75, becomes 'Britain's oldest stalker' Despite narrowly escaping jail he said after the hearing: "I have been led down the garden path and stabbed in the back." Don Green, prosecuting, told the court the two met in November 2009 at St Annes Parish Church, Singleton, Lancs - the village nearest to where his yacht is anchored. Mr Green added: "She is a churchwarden and they started to chat as he sat by himself in a pew. Later he discovered she was a florist and found out her work phone number. He invited her to an event at his yacht club but she told him she was a widow and not interested in a relationship. She said she was flattered but did not want to go on a date. Magistrates heard Hodgson started to make frequent calls to her and her staff. He invited her ski-ing and even sent ski boots and ski clothing to her home. Hodgson referred to her as his lady-friend and she began to get so worried she had to hide in the rear premises of her shop and stopped going to church for a time. He would park his car opposite her shop and left a note for her stating: "I am in love with you and would go to the ends of the Earth for you." He beganto send her bizarre gifts - including vitamins, a road sign and pottery. He then sent love poems and details of properties for sale. Mrs Stanley finally called in the police and they warned Hodgson about his conduct and gave him an official caution. But he would not be steered from his course to win her affection. He sent more notes and Mrs Stanley finally cracked on the anniversary of her late husband's death. Hodgson had traced the date of his death and the position of his grave. Knowing Mrs Stanley would go to the grave on the anniversary he left yet another note on the headstone. Mr Green said: "She was shocked and personally violated." Hodgson was arrested an in interview told police that he did not think what he had done was harassment. John McLaren, defending, said: "My client thought he was helping someone but she did not want help. The latest incident was clearly in the face of an official caution. He is a lonely man almost 76 years of age and does not have any family of his own. He was clearly besotted by this woman. However he now wishes to apologise- he is a chastened man. Hodgson was jailed for fifty days suspended for 12 months. He was placed on 12 months supervision and made the subject of a 12 month restraining order. He must pay £360 costs. Under the terms of the restraining order he must not contact his victim or enter Singleton village.