Bargh's conduct over an almost four-month period was "evidence of a significant deterioration in his mental health, and in particular was a manifestation of his obsessive compulsive disorder, which he managed without significant event for many years", the decision said.
"In short, he became fixated with one of his teachers, and took to spending time on her property. When questioned by the police, it became apparent that the respondent was somewhat confused, and he was therefore assessed by the mental health team.
"There was no malicious or menacing intent, and in particular there was no sexual motivation. That said, clearly his conduct was illegal and the district court heard that the victim had suffered psychological injuries that were described as clearly long-lasting."
At Bargh's sentencing in Whangarei District Court, the teacher at the centre of the case described lying awake at night, fearing someone was trying to break in and harm her.
Bargh was spotted on the woman's property twice at night before being caught and arrested a third time after a neighbour had set up a CCTV camera and confronted him.
His lawyer told the court Bargh suffered depression and untreated obsessive compulsive behaviour that had spiralled out to the point where his "paternal and caring" checking on the teacher had become compulsive and obsessive, and had made him unhappy.
As well as the censure the tribunal ordered that Bargh has to advise current or future employers of his condition and its appropriate management and continuing to work with his GP to address the medical issues that "gave rise to the events".
The conditions were to last for two years. The finding of serious misconduct will also be put on the teachers' register.
