A former police officer turned sports masseur has been cleared of stalking an ex-partner 17 years his junior.
George Stewart, 38, was accused of bombarding Jordan Evans with text messages and visiting her at work against her wishes.
Miss Evans told a trial she had almost taken her own life following the 18-month relationship, which she said had left her “cut off” from her family and friends.
But a sheriff ruled Stewart’s behaviour was “reasonable” and dismissed both charges.
Miss Evans, 21, told Dundee Sheriff Court that after the relationship ended she wanted “no other contact”.
Text messages were exchanged to arrange the collection of Miss Evans’ items from the home they previously shared in Monifieth.
Miss Evans said: “I phoned the police in April when the emails and texts wouldn’t stop and I had picked up my things.
“I thought it was the only way to get through to him.”
Stewart told defence solicitor Brian Bell that he stopped contacting Miss Evans after being specifically told by text to do so.
But he said he approached Miss Evans on July 5 at David Lloyd’s Gym “because of what I had been told from others”.
He said: “I believed that an approach would be welcomed, the proper course of action to hand over a letter would be in person. I thought it would be welcome.”
Stewart, of Dalhousie Court, Carnoustie, was accused of causing Miss Evans fear or alarm between March 21 and April 1 last year.
He was also accused of causing Michelle Hadden to hand Ms Evans a birthday card containing photographs, and attending her work place, presenting her with correspondence, engaging her in conversation and refused to leave when asked to do so.
Sheriff Brian Cameron said: “In relation to the delivery of the card, I am not satisfied you knew that engaging in that course of conduct would cause fear or alarm.
“Your conduct in the circumstances was reasonable.”