A businessman has been cleared of stalking his ex-girlfriend after insisting she shone a 'green light' for him to continue the relationship.

Stephen Darby, of Roman Road, Brentwood, maintained Marie Natusch, of Billericay, encouraged his affections - despite a court order banning him from making contact with her.

At London's Southwark Crown Court a jury of five women and seven men unanimously cleared him of the harassment of Miss Natusch - who had broken down in tears when describing months of alleged torment.

Mr Darby, 41, told the court he no longer saw any future with Miss Natusch.

"I am not hoping to get back together with her any more," he told the jury.

Miss Natusch had alleged that she was plagued with the unwanted attentions of Mr Darby following the breakdown of their four year relationship.

She had told the court she was bombarded with unwanted telephone calls, trailed to and from her work in the city and had to flee her home in Billericay.

Even when staying with her brother or mother, she claimed Darby would be watching her every move.

Mr Darby was cleared of five breaches of a restraining order imposed by magistrates last November.

The order was made under the Protection of Harassment Act - the so called anti-stalking law - and after he had admitted harassment before magistrates.

Asked about their affair, he told the court: "Most of the time, I did not know whether I was coming or going with her."

When it was alleged his 'emotions' had been allowed to get the better of his judgement and he bullied Miss Natusch, Mr Darby told the court: "I did not bully this woman."

Mr Leon de Costa, prosecuting, said the 'frightened' woman had reported Darby's actions to the police. 'Was that not a red light?' he asked

Mr Darby had denied being a bully and added: "I never gave her any reason at all to be frightened of me."

He admitted he went against his former girlfriend's and the magistrate's wishes.

"I did everything I could to prove I loved her and wanted to be with her," he said.

"A girl who is frightened will not sleep with you, go to the theatre, concerts and pubs with you, if she is frightened."

"How can you go to a posh hotel like the Savoy for dinner if she is frightened of you."

Asked if there was anything that would convince him the relationship was over, he looked around the court and answered: "This".

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