Woman 'harassed' TV's Martin Shaw

Actor Martin Shaw said Sandra Price appeared to be "unbalanced"

A 66-year-old woman accused of harassing the actor Martin Shaw appeared unhinged and unbalanced, a court has been told.

Sandra Price is accused of sending "offensive" and "intrusive" letters to the Norfolk home of Mr Shaw, 63, and making him listen to an audio tape.

At King's Lynn Magistrates' Court she denied a charge of harassment.

Mr Shaw told the court Ms Price sent him letters following the break up of his marriage. The case continues.

In October 2004 she wrote to Mr Shaw saying she hoped the "muck-stirring press and media" had the "decency" to respect his privacy.

'Sounded unhinged'

The actor, who played parts in the Professionals, Judge John Deed and Apparitions, said: "I know she had spoken to several people in the village and she was certain many people were muck-stirring.

"It was evident from reading the letter that this was something on her mind, rather than my neighbours," he said.

"She was becoming more and more assuming of an intimacy and a knowledge of my private life that both didn't exist and I found unwelcome."

Mr Shaw, who lives near Norwich, said Ms Price came to his house with a 45-minute cassette tape that she wanted him to listen to.

"It was quite hard listening," he said. "She said her life was a living hell and it was because of me, that she was in great pain.

"Only she understood what my pain was and only she could help and heal. It went on along these lines for a good 45 minutes. It was repetitive.

"I can't characterise it in any other way than by saying it was spooky. She sounded unhinged."

The hearing was told Ms Price made false claims about Mr Shaw's marriage break-up in her letters to him.

"Clearly, it was not only inaccurate but extremely offensive and intrusive," Mr Shaw said.