THE conviction of a young man who harassed his gran and made her fear for her safety could open the floodgates for hundreds of elderly people to reveal intimidation by relatives.

David Forrest, 24, of Ravenglass Close, Blackburn, was conditionally discharged for two years for harassing frail 75-year-old Dorothy Forrest.

Forrest, who spent six months in prison, was also banned from entering his gran's home, unaccompanied, for two years.

Now Age Concern believes that Mrs Forrest's bravery in coming forward to report her grandson's behaviour could encourage other people to do the same. Vicky Shepherd, information services manager for Age Concern Blackburn, said: "People are often reluctant to admit they are in a situation like this when members of their own family are involved.

"Perhaps this new harassment law and the outcome of this case may encourage others poorly treated by their family to speak out about it.".

Preston Crown Court heard how Forrest would lose his temper for no reason, prevent his gran from making phone calls, stayed with her overnight and caused her to fear for her safety.

Miss Shepherd said: "The law is there to protect everyone and we are glad to see that this is also the case for grandparents harassed by family members.

"Although we don't have any local statistics about elder abuse, that doesn't mean it isn't happening."

Forrest was convicted under new harassment laws pioneered by Janet Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen.

Welcoming the outcome of the case, Mrs Anderson said: "This is exactly what we wanted the new law to do.

"It is there to protect people and this case may encourage others to come forward."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.