AN ISLE of Wight man accused of stalking high profile Conservative politician Penny Mordaunt — an MP and Leader of the House of Commons before the General Election — will stand trial later this year.

Edward Peter Brandt, of Queens Road, Freshwater, opposed an application against imposing a Stalking Protection Order against him, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 16).

The allegations relate to conduct on dates between March and May this year. 

Miss Mordaunt applied for the order, complaining on the basis it is alleged the 59-year-old carried out acts associated with stalking — namely, he repeatedly used email, phone (leaving two voicemail messages) and, on one occasion, attempted to force entry into her office, which she claims posed a risk.

District judge David Robinson set a trial for November 13, and put in place an interim Stalking Protection Order, preventing him from contacting Miss Mordaunt, attending any events she would be present at, and going to Portsmouth.