A Bewdley couple were victims of threats of abuse and their teenage daughter took an overdose in the aftermath of a failed robbery, Worcester Crown Court was told.

It was alleged their persecutors were Christopher and Loraine Swain, whose son Paul was convicted earlier this year of taking part in the attempted robbery of the Hop Pole Stores and Post Office in Bewdley.

The couple were initially charged with intimidation and entered not guilty pleas. Christopher Swain, aged 46, of Richmond Road, Bark Hill, Bewdley, admitted to an alternative charge of harassment by putting a person in fear of violence between April 19 and June 22.

The prosecution offered no evidence against 40-year-old Mrs Swain, said to be suffering from depression, and she agreed to be bound over in the sum of £150 for 12 months.

Christopher Swain was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and made the subject of a 12-month restraining order forbidding him to harass the couple and their daughter. The Swains were ordered to pay £250 costs.

Overdose

Deputy Judge Thomas Dillon QC, who recorded not guilty verdicts on the intimidation charges, said the restraining order was necessary because of the atmosphere surrounding the case.

Mr David Swinnerton, prosecuting, said the couple's 15-year-old daughter had made a statement to police about Paul Swain and the robbery. Shortly before the trial, she took an overdose and did not give evidence.

The next day, the Swains went to the family's home and Christopher Swain shouted abuse through the letter box. Abuse was also shouted in the street and, in another incident, Christopher Swain shouted: If your daughter needs any pills, I know where to get them for her.

There were other incidents, said Mr Swinnerton, and in one Christopher Swain was alleged to have threatened: I have warned you before, I will have you.

Mr Peter Fortune, defending, said Christopher Swain accepted his behaviour was provocative and aggressive. He was suffering from stress and illness.

Judge Dillon told Swain that he was taking into account his previous good character.