Robert Beattie, of Batehaven Road, pleaded guilty to stalking and intimidation intending fear of physical harm. He was convicted and received a two-year good behaviour bond.

Police facts state the victim, who did not know Beattie was leaving Coles at Batemans Bay’s Village Centre at 10am on January 29 this year, when she noticed Beattie staring at her about 10 metres away.

He followed her as she walked toward the Perry Street elevator before she changed direction and went into a nearby chemist. He walked past and looked at her twice, before taking his shopping down to the car park.

Beattie returned to the chemist and at 10.43am the victim walked out and sat on a bench. He walked past her and whispered “sexy” at her, and she recognised him as the man who stared at her outside Coles.

As she walked he remained in the vicinity, constantly checking her whereabouts.

At 10.46am she stopped walking and stopped to talk to a friend outside the newsagent.

Beattie walked in her direction and was about to speak to her before her friend appeared. He then stood and stared at the victim and her friend.

At 10.50am the victim walked to the Perry Street exit lift before getting in her car in the car park.

She started to reverse her car, and as she did, Beattie walked over and stood in the car space and mouthed the words “you’re hot”.

She reversed and drove off and he walked away.

She told her husband and they reported it to Batemans Bay Police Station.

Police visited Beattie, having established his identity, and his workplace the following day. He admitted being at Village Centre at the time.

Beattie voluntarily went to Batemans Bay Police Station on March 13 and when the stalking allegation was put to him he said “yeah I just wanted to talk to her but didn’t have the guts to say anything”.

He was later presented a notice to attend court.