MAGISTRATES slapped a restraining order on March blind man John Hammond this week, after hearing how he carried out a four month campaign of harassment. His victim was retail manager Daniel Brownlow, who runs the Art on Glass business in Station Road. Aft

MAGISTRATES slapped a restraining order on March blind man John Hammond this week, after hearing how he carried out a four month campaign of harassment.

His victim was retail manager Daniel Brownlow, who runs the Art on Glass business in Station Road.

After complaining about vehicles parked near the premises, Hammond continually turned up at the premises, he took photos, and was abusive to staff and customers.

Hammond continued to visit after being banned from the business, he put up placards, and called Daniel Brownlow and his family "scumbags."

Finding 62-year-old Hammond guilty of harassment on Wednesday, presiding magistrate Margaret Angood said the court was satisfied that he had

* Threatened a female customer with police and court action although she apologised and agreed to move her vehicle

*Displayed a yellow bill board outside the shop, causing harassment to Mr Brownlow and his business

*Distributed 40 notices around the town appealing to witnesses to an alleged assault and verbal abuse by people connected with Art on Glass

*Took photos of Mr Brownlow and warned a customer not to deal with him

*Made threats of court action and took a photo of Mr Brownlow, forcing a customer to leave by the back door

*Used obscenities and abuse when a member of staff was loading a mirror into a van, although the van was not obstructing the path

*Pushed Mr Brownlow.

"We recognise that parked vehicles on a pavement are a hazard to everyone, especially to people who are blind," she told Hammond.

"You made an issue about obstruction at Art on Glass, and used a confrontational way to address the problem. You could have negotiated, but chose to make complaints."

She said Hammond had shown vindictive behaviour, and Mr Brownlow had lost many hours of business in dealing with him.

Hammond was found not guilty of using threatening behaviour on July 27.

Under the three year restraining order, Hammond must not:

*Contact Mr Brownlow or glazier David Elmore

*Visit the Art on Glass premises, including the forecourt

*Remain outside the premises for any longer than is reasonably necessary

*Take photos of people in the premises or on the forecourt, or take photos of the premises or vehicles parked at the premises, or cause such photos to be taken.

Hammond, of Queen Street, was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to Mr Brownlow, and £750 costs.