A TEENAGER has been charged with stalking — after messaging someone he considered a friend more than 2,000 times.

Kyle Heal, 18, of Chestnut Close, Ventnor, admitted stalking a 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Henry Farley, representing Heal, said he had been statemented at school and was diagnosed as autistic, so there was a question over whether he understood the impact of what he had done.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said the friendship began on Instagram but became obsessive on Heal's part, when he started calling or texting to excessive amounts, more than 60 times a day.

In total there were more than 2,000 messages within weeks, and he was spotted outside her house, watching her get into a car.

Although a platonic friendship, the problem escalated when the victim acquired a boyfriend.

Heal said he would kill himself and the victim phoned police, saying she was concerned about him.

Heal was bailed, but continued to send messages.

The victim started to suffer anxiety and became reluctant to leave her house.

The case was adjourned to January 14 for sentencing.