BBC Correspondent Andrew Bomford: For the next four months Tracey Morgan can relax

Magistrates jailed Anthony Burstow for four months after they heard he had left prison only to continue his harassment of Tracey Morgan.

Prosecutors told magistrates in Bracknell, Berkshire, Ms Morgan had been left a virtual prisoner in her own home because of Burstow's six-year campaign.

The 39-year-old former petty officer who served in the Falklands War was convicted in November of harassing Ms Morgan. Burstow denied the charge.

Speaking after the hearing, Ms Morgan said: "I'm very relieved at the verdict. Justice has been done today - but in another few weeks we are going to have to think again.

The BBC's Andrew Bomford: "Burstow shook his head in resignation as the sentence was handed out"

"I am just going to have to make the most of what I have got now and hope the justice system works.

"For the past six years he has virtually destroyed my life.

"I just feel there are so many loopholes in the legal system that need to be addressed and highlighted. I hope to highlight the fact that the legal system is failing.

"When he is released my sentence starts. He has been locked up and I have some of my freedom back, even for a few short weeks."

Friendship became obsession

Tracey Morgan: Loopholes in legal system

Burstow, of Slough, Berkshire, was previously jailed for three years in a landmark case after he was found guilty in March 1996 of causing psychological grievous bodily harm. He was released on licence in June 1997.

Before his first conviction, Burstow sent his victim underwear stolen from her clothes line, a soiled sanitary towel in the post and wrote sinister notes - one of which was signed "666" - the number associated with the devil.

The pair had met when Ms Morgan worked for the Royal Navy.

But the friendship developed into an obsession and he copied her house keys, bugged her office and stole her mail.

On one occasion he smeared excrement on the door handle of a friend's car and even tried renting a house opposite Ms Morgan's.

Restraining order

The high-profile case contributed to the introduction of anti-stalking legislation in 1997.

The Protection from Harassment Act introduced a maximum sentence of six months and fine of £5,000.

During the latest case, heard in November, Burstow rented a car and followed Ms Morgan home from her workplace in Bracknell.

Ms Morgan video-taped Burstow in his car outside her home and handed the evidence to police.

Police searched the vehicle and found binoculars, a sleeping bag and documents relating to his victim, including bank details and birth certificates.

Magistrates also made a restraining order on Burstow banning him from entering Berkshire or contacting Ms Morgan, her family and friends.