Controlling stalker jailed for targeting woman in Crawley

A controlling stalker who took pictures inside a woman’s home has been sentenced.

John Harris caused serious alarm and distress to the victim, a woman known to him, in Crawley.

On one occasion he had taken a hammer to her address.

It followed a period of controlling behaviour where he demanded to see messages on her phone and on social media, as well as constant knowledge of her whereabouts.

Harris, 41, also bombarded her with unwanted messages and contact.

“I lived every day watching over my shoulder,” the victim said.

At Lewes Crown Court on 28 April, Harris, of Pound Hill, Crawley, was jailed for three years and three months in total, and was put under a restraining order not to contact her.

He was found guilty of stalking causing serious alarm or distress and coercive control, and admitted possession of cannabis at an earlier hearing.

The court was told about how Harris was arrested in March last year, following his contact with the victim who he met in 2024.

The victim described how she feared repercussions if she did not grant him access to her phone.

Harris would regularly degrade and abuse her, the court was told, and also monitored her movements and routine.

Then later, the victim reported how Harris would turn up unannounced in public places where she was attending events.

The victim said it left her feeling afraid even in her own home and feeling “trapped and hopeless”.

“I feel like a different person,” she said. “This type of abuse leaves invisible scars. I am speaking out for myself, but in the hope that it helps others who have gone through similar abuse.”

Speaking after the case Detective Constable Rachel Corke said: “I commend the victim for coming forward to report her experience to the police.

“Harris’s behaviour was very alarming, letting himself into the victim’s address while she was away on one occasion, and turning up with a hammer on another occasion.

“Preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Sussex Police, and we are determined to get justice for victims.

“I would encourage anyone who has experienced abuse and stalking to report it to the police.”

More information about how to report stalking, domestic abuse, and coercive control to us is available on the Sussex Police website.

Further information about help and support available for victims is available on the Safe:Space Sussex website.