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Sean Tunctan, aged 20, of Chilton Grove, Deptford, believed he had been snubbed by the British Actors Equity Association and started a two-month terror campaign against its workers.

Despite a police warning, he continued to send bizarre faxes and make frightening phone calls to staff at the St Martin's Lane offices in the West End.

A Southwark Crown Court jury found Tunctan guilty of harassment between October 7 and December 10, last year.

Prosecuting, Jacqueline Samuel told the court Equity was an association professional actors need to join to get work. Tunctan was aggrieved he had been turned down and telephoned them as he wanted to "argue the matter".

Miss Samuel said: "He tried to convince the officer his life was a performance and would not take on board the criteria she was trying to make out."

Tunctan sent a rambling and bizarre fax to Equity which ended "Sean Tunctan, theatre and variety department" on October 11 last year.

In one fax he wrote "I have a magic spell book, if used incorrectly it could easily kill someone".

Later messages referred to terrorist activity, booby traps, blowing up Santa and "don't get mad get even".

Staff thought it was frightening and beyond a joke and called the police on October 29.

Tunctan ignored the warning and eventually Equity contacted the police again.

Once arrested he admitted sending the messages but told police it was a joke and amounted to freedom of expression, Miss Samuel told the court.

Asked about his magic spell book, Tunctan said: "Basically, it's gibberish but when it refers to magic spell performance, it's part of my variety act."

Tunctan denied he intended any upset and said he sent the messages as a joke.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge of harassment but was convicted on Friday and will be sentenced on July 14.

9:30am Wednesday 28th June 2000

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