Man sentenced after admitting to stalking Salisbury woman

Thursday, 7 November 2024 06:05

A man has been sentenced to 36 weeks in prison, suspended for two years after admitting stalking a woman in Salisbury.

Michael Chown, 54, of New Town, Sixpenny Handley, was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on November 1 after pleading guilty to stalking without fear or distress.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £187, to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, to participate in an Accredited Programme for 43 days, to participate in a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 5 days and given a restraining order until further order.

Between September and November 2023, Chown made unwanted contact with his victim despite being given words of advice by officers not to contact her.

He was seen around her address, following her through Salisbury and contacting her by phone and letter.

In a statement read out in court his victim said: "When I first met Michael it was outside my house..I always assumed it was a coincidence that he was outside that day, and we just started chatting. But now I know I was wrong ... he had been watching me.

"For someone who I only wanted to be friends with, he became obsessed with me, and I can't take it anymore, he has destroyed me."

Local Crime Investigator Humby said: "Chown subjected his victim to repeated and appalling psychological abuse.

"He made countless phone calls and sent unwanted texts to her, leaving her in constant fear and forcing her to change her daily routines.

"The harassment was relentless and has caused his victim a huge amount of distress and anxiety.

"We are grateful that she has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and helping us secure this important sentence.

"I would also like to remind people there is support on offer to anyone who is suffering this kind of abuse and if you report to Wiltshire Police we will take your report seriously."

Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, repeated behaviour that can leave you feeling scared or distressed. You don’t have to be threatened with violence to be a victim of stalking. Any kind of persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is still stalking and is unacceptable.

You can find more information, including how to report incidents to Wiltshire Police and get support on their website: Stalking: Fixated Obsessed Unwanted Repeated | Wiltshire Police

*This report has been published with support from the victim*