LONDON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The stalker of world-renowned British violinist Vanessa Mae has escaped a prison term, a London judge ruled, as reported Wednesday by the BBC News.
David Martin, 56, wrote and delivered approximately four letters a month for two years, creating distress for the 25-year-old contemporary musician.
Martin also kept a diary of Mae's movements and tried to speak to her on several occasions.
Martin was arrested October 17 after Mae's boyfriend saw him trying to deliver a letter. Police found a knife on him, although there was no suggestion that either his letters or behavior had been threatening, according to court documents.
Martin, who is unmarried, had tried on several occasions to deliver letters and gifts by hand. He previously had been warned to stop.
"Miss Mae finds the contents distressing," said Caroline Hughes, prosecuting attorney. "It shows he is clearly obsessed with her, though they have never been threatening."
The judge, who described Martin as "disturbed," said he was never to contact Mae again. The judge decided Martin should be released, having served five months in jail while waiting to be sentenced. Martin faced a maximum six-month jail sentence.
Born in Singapore to a Chinese mother and Thai father, she moved with her mother to London when she was three and had her first violin performance when she was nine.
