A FORMER Studley careers adviser harassed a married woman in the area for three months with poems, letters and cards in an attempt to woo her, a court was told.

John Adair, now living in Bristol, had previously pleaded not guilty under a Harassment Act charge involving Jane Davies, whose address was not disclosed.

But as the case was about to start, Adair admitted the harassment charge before district judge Nigel Cadbury at Solihull Magistrates Court.

He adjourned the hearing until April 26 after telling Adair he was considering imposing a community rehabilitation order involving medical treatment and a restraining order barring Adair from contacting Mrs Davies, possibly for 10 years.

Venice James, prosecuting, said Adair tried to woo Mrs Davies by sending her poems, letters and cards. But his actions were harassment to Mrs Davies, who had not sought his attentions and did not want them.

Adair had visited her home twice while her husband was there and had also tried to contact her at her place of work, said Mrs James.

"The incidents happened in June 2004 and it has taken a long time to bring the case to court, with huge amounts of public money being spent on it," said Mrs James.

"The woman's health has suffered while waiting for the case to be heard and I will be seeking costs of £1,000."

Jenny Wosencraft, defending, said Adair was of previous good character. The harassment had gone on for three months after Adair and Mrs Davies had worked together.

"Adair had been a careers adviser but had since been receiving medical treatment and was no longer working," said Miss Wosencraft.

District Judge Cadbury told Adair, aged 39, he would be expected to make a contribution to the costs.

He granted Adair bail on condition he did not contact Mrs Davies.