And Darren Robert Lawrence called the victim at all hours of the day between January 2 and March 3, including one day when he called eight times between 2.30am and 2.35am.

Ballarat Magistrates Court was told Lawrence, who had a prior stalking offence from 2006, stopped harassing the victim when Telstra warned him not to dial the number.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Steve Kent said Lawrence told police he believed the victim had stolen property from him and he made the calls to scare the victim.

He said Lawrence would slam the telephone down after making the call.

Representing himself, Lawrence said he did attempt to talk face-to-face to the victim. He said the warning from Telstra was a wake-up call. The court was told police searched through Lawrence's property and found a hydroponic

system and five grams of cannabis.

Lawrence, of Yendon, pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to harass and possessing and using cannabis. He was convicted and released on a six-month good behaviour bond with the condition he continue to seek medical

advice and treatment. He was fined $200.