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Mr Appleton worked in the city's water department.

Phil Appleton, 71, is alleged to have sent "numerous messages", visited the actress' home address on several occasions and "left unwanted gifts".

"One of the things he said to me was, 'You just don't promote yourselves enough. You almost play it down. You don't tell people how good you are,'" Appleton told BBC Sport.

She sat in the shade and chatted with Appleton, her wet sandals resting on hard clay.

He was not represented by counsel after barrister Katy Appleton told the court she was withdrawing due to "professional embarrassment".