Liverpool Crown Court

(Photograph) - Liverpool Crown Court this week found a secretary from Liverpool University guilty of causing 'fear by violence' after she subjected criminologist David Canter (above) and his research assistant to more than 500 abusive phone calls. Gillian Hartshorne made 'totally false and vicious accusations' claiming that Professor Canter was opposed to making her fixed-term contract permanent because he was having an adulterous affair with his assistant, Samantha Lundrigan. In one night alone Hartshorne made 50 calls to his home. Professor Canter said: 'Although I followed all the available procedures for dealing with this very challenging situation, the extent and the intensity of the harassment was such that unfortunately I had no alternative but to inform the police. As a result of the court process I have had to suffer many malicious and totally unfounded statements being made publicly about my personal and professional life. I am relieved this traumatic process has now reached a conclusion.' Dr Lundrigan said she was also relieved the ordeal was over.