Millionaire property developer ordered to have therapy after being caught stalking two ex-girlfriends
The property developer admitted stalking the women at various locations this year
A MILLIONAIRE businessman who stalked two women has been spared jail – but ordered to have therapy for his obsessive behaviour.
Property developer David Bryson, 41, met Heather Munro, 46, and Ciara Nelson, 32, after contacting them through Facebook and dating websites.
He lavished them with expensive gifts including a Louis Vuitton handbag and purse as well as a horse for Miss Munro and a £6500 Rolex watch and a £20,000 Mini Cooper for Miss Nelson.
But police were called in after the relationships soured and Bryson, of Lanarkshire, Scotland began a campaign of harassment.
He appeared in court in October and admitted stalking the women at various locations this year.
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Bryson returned to Hamilton Sheriff Court today for sentencing where it emerged he had rekindled his relationship with Miss Nelson.
The court was told he breached his bail conditions by contacting Miss Nelson from Tenerife after his October court appearance.
She told police who had awaited his return at Glasgow Airport but discovered he had flown to Dublin and driven back to Scotland to evade arrest.
A tip off led them to the plush Dakota Hotel in Glasgow where he had checked in under a false name. He was spotted on CCTV spending time with Miss Nelson.
Depute fiscal Wendy McAdam told how Bryson had sent messages to Miss Nelson from Tenerife.
She said: "There was nothing threatening in them but she found herself to be fearful of the accused's continued obsessive behaviour towards her and was in no doubt they were from the accused.
"They continued for some time and police were contacted.
"She was receiving other messages saying things like 'why are the police looking for me and terrorising me' and she replied telling him that bail conditions meant he couldn't contact her.
"He told her 'don't you dare get me in any more trouble' and the phone calls continued leading to her to change her number.
"The police then made extensive and unsuccessful attempts to trace the accused and it was found he had travelled to Tenerife."
The court heard how Bryson dodged police on his return from the island and was only caught when they discovered he was staying in a hotel.
Miss McAdam added: "He was in the company of the complainer Ciara Nelson and it was obvious from CCTV the pair were in a relationship."
Gordon Jackson QC, defending, said: "The whole thing is strange.
"You gave him a very, very clear indication on what he could and couldn't do when he left here on bail.
"He left court with your words ringing in his ears, although obviously not loud enough, and went to Tenerife to recuperate.
"While he was there he became upset and contacted Miss Nelson again and sent her text messages.
"There was never anything threatening or abusive and she simply asked him not to contact her.
"They were in contact when he returned and they went to the hotel.
"She now says she has no concerns about his behaviour and does not wish any kind of non-harassment order.
"He does need help and she wishes to support him in getting that and she is in court today to show that she supports him and wants to help.
"Miss Munro has simply fallen off his radar."
Sheriff Marie Smart ordered him to undergo a course of therapy before returning to court for a progress report in February.
Sheriff Smart, who previously warned Bryson he faced jail, said: "Clearly things have moved on dramatically since the last time you appeared and were granted bail.
"You have had many stresses in your life that have made you act in this way.
"Prison is not going to help you because when you come out you will be the same man so therapy is what you need and you will need to get that in place."
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