Claire Timpson, 44, told the clergyman in 48 emails that she loved him and wanted to be in a relationship with him, the Daily Record reports. She also made at least one unsolicited appearance at his house.

The inappropriate contact - with many of the emails laced with sexually explicit language - lasted from August 2016 to June 2017.

Timpson admitted a charge of stalking before Hamilton Sheriff Court and was put under supervision for three years. She is banned from contacting the priest over the same period.

Sheriff Marie Smart said the emails were “offensive” but it was not necessary to add Timpson to the sex offenders’ register.