Ann Summers boss victim of stalker

The managing director of the Ann Summers empire was left "frightened and terrified" after becoming the victim of a telephone stalker, Lincoln magistrates heard yesterday. Jacqueline Gold, 36, received dozens of phone calls from her unemployed tormentor, Dean Bentley (pictured), after he became infatuated with the woman whose shops and mail order parties sell sex aids and lingerie.

He conceived an elaborate plot in which he would warn Miss Gold of a scheme to harm her and even persuaded his mother to back him up on the telephone. He was arrested in January after the calls were traced to a kiosk near his home. Yesterday Bentley, of Heighington, Lincolnshire, was sentenced to two years' probation after admitting sending a threatening letter and four charges of making menacing telephone calls. He was also ordered to do 100 hours' community service and to pay Miss Gold pounds 100 compensation. His mother, Olwen, 63, was given a year's conditional discharge and also ordered to pay pounds 100 compensation after admitting making annoying phone calls.