Phone Caller Accused Of Sexually Explicit Messages

A gay Dorchester man, accused of making sexually-explicit nuisance phone calls to a homosexual friend, appeared in court for the first time yesterday.

Lee Jon Slater, 46, of Heathcote Close claims the calls were an innocent prank.

He pleaded not guilty to sending a communication of an indecent or offensive nature between July 18 and August 2 to estate agent Stephen Giddings, 57, of Ancaster Crescent, New Malden.

Slater was bailed to return to Wimbledon Magistrates Court for a trial on February 1, next year.

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told the court: “Numerous telephone calls were made to the complainant.

“On each occasion voice messages of a sexually-explicit nature where left and when he answered things like 'f*** me' were said a groaning noises made.

“The victim feels he was caused considerable distress and that he was being watched because calls were made as soon as he entered his home.”

Slater denies any malicious intent, claiming to know the complainant for twenty years, with both socialising with an openly-gay group of friends.