A 28-YEAR-OLD woman who harassed a work colleague at Longleat Safari Park in an effort to stop details of an affair emerging has been given a restraining order and told to do 70 hours unpaid community work.

Hayleigh Flak, of Blackthorn Close, Illchester, appeared at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (October 13), where she pleaded guilty to harassing Craig Brooks between March 13 and April 1 this year.

The court heard that Flak, who worked at Longleat Safari Park, admitted to having a one-night stand with a fellow colleague who was friends with Mr Brooks and also worked on the same shift as Flak.

Fearing that her affair might become public, Flak sent two emails to Longleat pretending to be a customer and accusing Mr Brooks of being abusive.

Prosecuting, Anna Humphreys said: “Mr Brooks was extremely distressed by the emails and said that he felt scared for his own personal safety.

“He was at a loss as to why he was being targeted in this way.

“It transpired that the emails were from her.”

A police investigation found that the emails had been sent from Flak’s computer, which she denied at the time.

Defending, Ellen McAnaw said: “This offence came about because of Miss Flak’s sexual encounter with a colleague who was good friends with the victim.

“The person she had the affair with told the victim what had happened.

“She was worried her husband would find out and her intention was to send these emails and get him put on a different shift; it was not her intention to lose his job.

“It was not particularly bright, in fact it was incredibly stupid.

“He husband is in the Royal Navy and is now going to find out what happened.

“She said she is going to go home tonight and tell him the full details and she’s sure that’s going to end her marriage.

“She has two children and is 16 weeks pregnant, it’s not a great position to be in.”

As well as a restraining order against Mr Brooks and 70 hours unpaid work, Flak, who was in breach of a conditional discharge after admitting to one count of fraud last year, was also ordered to attend 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £145.

Returning his verdict, chairman of the bench Dr David Morrell said: “This reflects the seriousness of the case.

“You have pleaded guilty today for a charge of harassment and that harassment was for quite a long time, it was not nice in many ways.

“You are going to explain fully, so we are told, to your husband and circumstances in your life may change.”