Stalker sentenced for targeting woman in West Sussex

A stalker who targeted a woman known to him in West Sussex has been jailed.

Michael Walker monitored the movements of the victim and bombarded her with unwanted calls and contact.

It included making as many multiple calls  each day, as well as setting up multiple social media accounts to contact the victim.

The 37-year-old was found guilty of stalking and at Lewes Crown Court on 10 April he was jailed for 16 weeks.

The court was told how the behaviour spanned nearly five months from June to October last year.

It left the victim in fear, and she reported her experience to Sussex Police.

At interview, Walker, of Linton Glade, Croydon, was questioned about his behaviour, and told officers: “You’re the police, you work it out.”

Following an investigation by Public Protection officers, he was charged with stalking.

After a trial he was found guilty of the charge. He was found not guilty of coercive control.

Walker was also placed under a restraining order which prevents him from making contact with the victim or from attending addresses in Haywards Heath.

The order lasts until 2031.

Sussex Police stalking lead Detective Superintendent Ben Newman said: “We take all reports of stalking and harassment seriously.

“This case demonstrates our determination to get justice for victims, and we are pleased that Walker was found guilty in court.

“We encourage victims of stalking and harassment to report their experience to Sussex Police.”

Help and support for victims of stalking is available on the Sussex Police website and Safe:Space Sussex website.

Further information about reporting stalking to us is available online here.