A STALKER who spent a month harassing a woman confronted his victim and threatened to send naked photographs of her to family, friends and colleagues, a court has heard.

Ewan Arkieson,48, handed the terrified woman - who cannot be named for legal reasons - a dossier which contained details of her personal life.

He had spent weeks researching his victim by using the internet, visiting libraries and checking the electoral register. He then watched her house, followed her, and compiled information about the people who were connected to her.

Yesterday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Arkieson came face to face with his victim at her home in Edinburgh on September 5, 2013.

He handed her an envelope which contained detailed personal information about her. He then threatened to send nude photographs of her to loved ones.

Depute procurator fiscal Ann McNeill said: "He told her that she should not go to the police or he would make the matter public."

But the woman contacted police who swooped on Arkieson shortly afterwards.

Officers broke down the door to his home and found that he possessed documents which contained more information about his victim.

The story emerged after Arkieson, of Russell Gardens, Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to stalking the woman on various occasions between August 1, 2013 and September 5, 2013.

Ms McNeil told Sheriff Nigel Ross that Arkieson said that he had compiled a list of names of people who would be sent copies of the naked photographs.

Sentence was deferred on Arkieson in order for the court to obtain reports about his character. He will be sentenced next month.