A CHANCE meeting outside a supermarket led to York stalker Stephen Moss first targeting his victim Theresa Helstrip.

The 51-year-old has been persistently stalking the mother-of-two, since striking up a conversation with her at Netto supermarket in Layerthorpe seven years ago.

Despite being arrested several times for harassment, a strict restraining order being imposed forbidding him from making contact with Mrs Helstrip, and a five-month prison sentence, he has continued following her and bombarding her with letters.

Moss, of Newborough Street, Clifton, York, is now back behind bars awaiting sentence after admitting breaching his restraining order yet again - only six days after being released from prison.

The order prohibits him from "contacting Theresa Helstrip directly or indirectly by any means whatsoever", and prevents him from entering a large exclusion zone within the city centre or anywhere near her home.

Mrs Helstrip, who has reported Moss to the police dozens of times and written to York MP Hugh Bayley, said she had been prescribed anti-depressants because of her ordeal.

In a shocking list of stalking incidents, Mrs Helstrip says Moss has tormented her by:

Staring at her through windows for hours at a time while she worked in several jobs in the city.

Following her to restaurants and watching her eat through the windows.

Watching her play with her three-year-old grandson in the Museum Gardens.

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, May 17, 2006