A MAN has been acquitted of harassing a former Powys vicar – but he has been given a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting her for a year.

Paul Carr-Webster, 60, had denied a charge of harassing the Reverend Petra Goodband, who used to live in Knighton.

At Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 5, as Carr-Webster’s trial was scheduled to start, prosecutors offered no evidence to the charge and he was told he was free to go.

However, the vicar, who has now moved out of the Powys area, was granted a restraining order against the defendant, who agreed to abide by it.

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Carr-Webster had denied the offence earlier this year. It was alleged the defendant, of Cemetery Road, Knighton, entered her lean-to shed on four occasions on February 3 this year, after receiving written requests not to, causing Rev Goodband to feel harassed.

Prosecutor James Ashton said on Tuesday: “I have spoken to the complainant, and as a result I instead make an application for a non-acquittal restraining order, to protect her from any contact by the defendant.

“This will mean the defendant will be prohibited from contacting her by any means. It is her preferred way of moving forward.”

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Gurleen Kaur, acting for Carr-Webster, said: “I don’t contest the application for a restraining order.

Magistrates told Carr-Webster he was acquitted of the charge, but they agreed to issue a non-acquittal restraining order, which will last for 12 months.

It has one condition: he is not to contact Rev Goodband by any means, directly or indirectly, including via social media.