A LONELY pensioner whose story about his desperate quest to find friends broke hearts across the nation has been accused of harassment.

John Anthony Williams, known as Tony, went viral in September after opening up about the challenges he has faced meeting people as a widow during the pandemic.

The 88-year-old, who previously stated his age as 75, appeared before magistrates today (Tuesday, April 6) in relation to an "ongoing neighbour dispute".

Mr Williams is accused of causing harassment, alarm or distress to his neighbours on Lambton Close in Medstead, near Alton, by posting literature through their door and failing to remove posters from his windows.

He is accused of breaching a community protection order.

Ms Selina Edwards, on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, requested a two-week adjournment of the case, which she described as an “ongoing neighbour dispute”, for “further enquiries from the police”.

Representing himself, Mr Williams told district judge Tim Pattinson it was a “shame” that he had had to make the trip to court only for the hearing date to be moved.

The case was adjourned and will be heard on April 20 2021 at the same court.