A SERIAL stalker from York who made an obscene phone call to TV vet Trude Mostue has had his case adjourned so a court can hear from a psychiatrist.

John Maynard, aged 55, of Portland Street, telephoned Ms Mostue - from TV show Vets In Practice - at work, and made threatening and obscene phone calls.

But he must now wait to find out his fate after admitting five counts of harassment.

Recorder David Robson, QC, yesterday adjourned his case at Teesside Crown Court to a date to be fixed so a psychiatrist can attend the court and discuss possible cures for Maynard. He stays in custody.

The Recorder said: "These are offences of the gravest in their category. There is no doubt that without psychiatric treatment this man will continue to be a danger to women, and a serious danger.

"Although he hasn't physically damaged anybody he has caused immense mental distress and alarm."

He said: "What I need is a risk assessment with an eye particularly on the question of whether he falls within the criteria of being such a risk to the public that an indeterminate sentence is the only option which the court has."

Construction worker Maynard has several similar convictions, dating back to 1970 in England and Germany for frightening women.

He served a five-year sentence for making a threat to kill and, only months after his release in 1999, he was making calls to other women, including Ms Mostue.

Maynard pleaded guilty to putting Ms Mostue in fear of violence by harassment between April 13 and May 20, 2001.

He also admitted the same charge involving shop worker Theresa Paulin, tyre depot manager Paula Metcalfe, pub worker Alison Taylor and company boss Adrienne Bennett.

Two charges of making threats to kill were ordered to lie on the file and Maynard asked for three further offences of making obscene telephone calls to be taken into account.

Updated: 10:27 Saturday, February 23, 2002