A 39-year-old government employee accused of harassing a Dunedin business owner for two and a half years, says he kept pictures of his victim out of fear.

The man, who has name suppression, is charged with criminal harassment, threatening grievous bodily harm and intentional damage.

He's alleged of listing the victim’s details at a gay meeting place, creating a fake online homosexual dating profile and sending a sex toy to the man's business.

The accused has told the Dunedin District Court, a day after he parked across the rear entrance of the businessman's premises,blocking it, he found his car tyre deflated and a door dented.

He said he panicked and saved photos of the man on his computer to see who he was dealing with - then forgot about them.