A FORMER city councillor has stepped down from his role and apologised to residents. 

It comes after Mark Mewse, 64, was convicted of  harassment at Salisbury Magistrates Court last month. 

Mewse bought an ex-lover presents for her cats in a bid to win her back - and then threatened to kill them when she rejected his advances. 

Mewse, of Cranesbridge Road, began a 'constant barrage' of messages to the victim in an attempt to rekindle their relationship after they broke up, magistrates were told.

He was the Salisbury City Councillor for the St Francis and Stratford ward.

In a statement to the Journal, Mewse said he is "too tired and depressed", and his resignation is about his mental health situation and "one more thing to try to relieve the pressure on me".

He added: "I would like to thank my council colleagues of all parties for their support over the last 18 months some of whom know of my struggles.

"I also thank and at the same time apologise to the residents of Stratford and St Francis for not being able to carry out my duties as I would have wished for the benefit of Salisbury and the ward."

Mewse also indicated that he is considering an appeal against his conviction. He is due to be sentenced on April 25.