A MAN sent money to his neighbour, asking her for sex, York magistrates heard.

Karl Barker, 28, of St Mary's, York, pleaded guilty to harassing the woman between February 6 and February 8.

David Garnett, prosecuting, said that Barker, who has two previous convictions for gross indecency, had sent two sexually explicit letters to her.

He said she had already turned down Barker's advances when she received a sexually explicit letter containing £100, on February 6.

About 48 hours later another letter was sent by Barker and the woman went to the police.

Harry Bayman, mitigating, said the letters were pushed through the complainant's door at night when Barker was drunk.

Barker was given a 100-hour community punishment order with £70 costs. Magistrates also imposed a five-year restraining order saying that Barker must not contact Miss Dearlove in any way for that period.

Presiding magistrate Richard Booth said: "We are very concerned, particularly in view of your criminal record, that the victim is protected by the court."

Updated: 12:49 Saturday, March 08, 2003