A LOVESTRUCK pensioner who stalked a plumber for 10 years and was ordered by magistrates never to approach him again today admitted: "This whole thing has been very distressing."

Twice married Joan Heywood, aged 67, appeared before Bury magistrates accused of stalking a 40-year-old plumber -- 27 years her junior -- after he called at her home to repair a washing machine. She admitted the offence.

Magistrates were told that the pensioner become obsessed with the married father-of-one, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court was told she sent love letters and taped messages and was even spotted crawling "on all fours" up his garden path

But speaking from her home on Powell Street, Bury, last night twice married Mrs Heywood said she had no choice but to plead guilty.

She added: "Everything that was said was all lies and I am making enquiries to try and clear my name. The whole thing has been very distressing."

Magistrates put Heywood on probation for 12 months and an indefinite restraining order was made, banning her from approaching the plumber or any of his family.