Stalker handed 'landmark' 10-year prevention order

A man who repeatedly harassed and stalked his ex-partner has been handed a "landmark" 10-year stalking protection order.

South Yorkshire Police said he had made "multiple attempts to frighten the woman", bombarding her with threatening calls, messages and emails, as well as turning up at her home in the space of a few weeks.

The order bars the man from contacting or approaching the woman, entering her postcode area, attempting to establish her whereabouts or posting about her on social media.

The force said the order, made at Sheffield Magistrates' Court earlier this month, was the first of its kind to be granted in the county.

A police spokesperson said officers had taken action against the man, who cannot be named in order to protect the victim's identity, after the woman reported the unwanted contact in July, saying all her attempts to block contact had failed.

When officers from the Domestic Abuse Team investigated they recognised the pattern of behaviour as stalking and safeguarded the victim and her child.

The man was also returned to prison for breach of licence conditions, with an application for the order made in August.

Stalking Protection and Investigations Officer Carla Davey said: "Securing this order is a landmark for South Yorkshire Police, as the first ten-year order to be granted in our force.

"I'm pleased that the courts have recognised the severity of the stalking behaviour and the fear this man caused."

She hoped it would send a "clear message" to perpetrators and victims that the police would pursue all resources in such cases.

"I would encourage anyone who is experiencing this to report to police," she added.

"You don't have to live in fear, you will be listened to, and we can help you."

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