A MAN appeared in court accused of following women and threatening them with violence.

John Dory was described as “obsessive, erratic, and unpredictable” in how he treated two women in Brighton and Hove.

The 54-year-old would bombard Nadia Iran and Jemma Turner with unwanted phone calls, messages and emails, Brighton Crown Court was told.

It was alleged he had followed Ms Iran to her workplace in Boundary Road, Portslade, and turned up outside her home late at night.

She said: “I’ve been scared, it has ruined 17 months of my life.”

Meanwhile Jemma Turner reported feeling “shocked” to find Dory had left blood smeared on her doorstep from self-harming, the court was told.

But Dory, also known as Malcolm Howell or by his nickname “Fish”, denies two stalking charges and a criminal damage charge.

Kerry Moore, prosecuting, told the court that alleged offences took place between May and August last year.

He said: “Dory behaved in an obsessive, erratic, and unpredictable manner, appearing funny and happy to becoming aggressive and angry.

“He was switching from sunshine to sudden storms.”

Mr Moore said Nadia had been followed to work, and had found Dory outside her home throwing pebbles at the windows in the early hours of the morning

When she reported his behaviour to the police, she received emails suggesting she had romantic feelings for Dory, despite being in a relationship with a woman.

One email read: “What the f*** are you doing saying I’m stalking you.

“It was that stupid bird who put you up to this. When all this comes out, you will regret it.

“You fell in love with me and that girlfriend got jealous and wants to f*** me over.”

When Mr Moore asked Ms Iran in the witness box if she had any feelings for Dory, she replied: “No.”

Mr Moore said Dory had abused Jemma Turner and her friend Sarah Hamilton at Pride, using “vile, abusive and insulting” terms.

Then Dory left blood on her doorstep, texting her: “It’s your fault”.

On one occasion he bombarded her with 74 missed phone calls, Mr Moore said.

Meanwhile on another occasion he smashed a wheelie bin into her front door in Brighton, it was alleged.

After reporting the behaviour to the police Jemma claimed Dory had messaged her to say: “I’m going to come back for you, I’m going to f****** kill you.”

At police interview Dory said both women were not telling the truth and denied he had caused them any fear of violence.

Kevin Light, defending, began cross examining Ms Iran, 30, in court, asking her details about her connection to Dory.

He said Dory was known as a drug dealer to Ms Iran, and asked her if she would drive him to places like Eastbourne.

Ms Iran admitted being given £3,000 for a new BMW car from Dory.

Dory, of no fixed address, denies the charges. The case continues.