A former lawyer charged with stalking a Kamloops drug counsellor was released on bail Tuesday, with terms prohibiting him from contacting her by phone or in person.

Robert Michael Stainton represented himself at the bail hearing. He is charged with criminal harassment and making harassing phone calls.

Judge Dev Dley ordered a ban on publication on evidence and submissions from this hearing.

At an appearance last month, however, the court was told how Stainton has a “love-hate fixation” on a city woman who counselled him while he was at the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre.

The Crown asked the court to order Stainton arrested amid fears he was about to commit new offences. Part of those fears related to the man’s delivery of a 28-page rambling “manifesto” in which he talks about his love for the Kamloops woman, as well as others. He also outlines several conspiracy theories involving the CIA and organized crime.

Stainton told a different story.

The accused man said the woman he is accused of harassing is, in fact, stalking him. Stainton claimed she has contacted him and showed interest in his life. He told the judge he has never threatened the woman.

The Crown told the court he has left at least 16 unwanted messages on her voice mail in the last three years.

"I'm suggesting (this is) a fatal attraction on her behalf," Stainton said.

"There is no evidence . . . of anything that is inappropriate in my behaviour. She may be disturbed (by me). I am disturbed by her too.

"I am frightened of her."

Stainton promised the judge he would stay in Kelowna if released on bail and abide by all the terms of his release. He said he understands the charges against him, as well as the nature of the legal process as it will unfold.

While the Crown opposed Stainton’s release from jail, Judge Dley agreed he can be released from jail pending his trial on the charges.

Dates will be set shortly for the man’s trial.