A woman who developed an obsession with a Tayside shaman has been ordered to stay out of his life for five years.
Cassidy Blythe became fixated with professional tarot card therapist and shamanic practitioner Brian Anderson.
She bombarded him with “distressing” emails and turned up at his home in Methven with a mysterious parcel.
The 30-year-old, from Glasgow, was arrested earlier this year after being warned by police to stop contacting Mr Anderson.
She appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted stalking the guru for three months, causing him fear or alarm.
Found his stalker in the garden
Fiscal depute Elizabeth Hodgson told the court: “The complainer offers face-to-face therapy services for people who are suffering from stress and anxiety.
“The accused made an appointment and met him at his business in Methven, which is also his home.
“However, after this session, the complainer realised that the accused’s difficulties needed a service that was more robust.”
Mr Anderson advised her to get help elsewhere.
Ms Hodgson said: “Some time later, the accused made contact with Mr Anderson by telephone.
“She emailed the complainer and was told not to contact him again.”
Blythe also left voicemails saying she was going to self harm.
She said she had petrol and was going to “set herself on fire.”
Ms Hodgson said: “One evening, Mr Anderson went out for a walk.
“When he returned, the accused was in his rear garden holding a parcel.
“He asked her to leave and take the parcel with her.”
Blythe walked away but left the present. Mr Anderson called the police.
“The parcel did not contain anything of note,” said Ms Hodgson.
“There were some small items and a map.”
Letter of apology
Later, police got in touch with Blythe and warned her if she continued contacting Mr Anderson she could be charged.
She told officers she had sent him a letter of apology.
In December 2020, Mr Anderson received a new email from Blythe.
It said she was in love with him.
Further emails followed, all “containing distressing content,” said Ms Hodgson.
The messages were forwarded to police.
After more emails arrived in January 2021, Blythe was arrested and taken into custody.
When questioned by officers, she said: “I did follow up on his advice but I couldn’t get any help.
“I wanted to give him a gift to apologise.”
She added: “I’m not that kind of person. It isn’t in my nature.”
‘A bit of a fixation’
Blythe, of Ibrox Street, admitted that between September 19 2020 and January 3 2021, she engaged in a course of conduct which caused Mr Anderson fear or alarm.
Her solicitor told the court: “It is clear she has experienced mental health issues throughout her life.
“She is now seeking help and wants to get on with her life.”
Sheriff William Wood told Blythe: “Clearly you came into contact with Mr Anderson when you were at a low point and you were looking for strength and support.
“But you seem to have developed a bit of a fixation on Mr Anderson.”
The sheriff placed Blythe on supervision for a year and ordered her to stay away from Mr Anderson as part of a five-year non-harassment order.
According to Mr Anderson’s website, he offers “individual tarot therapy sessions as a therapeutic process”.
