A MAN who spent “several months” stalking a woman in Staple Hill has been prosecuted following a police investigation.

Kola Adetu, of Overnhill Road in Downend, had denied a charge of stalking without causing fear, alarm or distress, but was found guilty by Bristol magistrates after a trial.

He was given a non-custodial sentence and made subject to a two-year restraining order banning him from contact with his victim.

Avon & Somerset police said Adetu, aged 45, “made unwanted approaches to his victim, with propositions in the street and at her home”.

The stalking started in May last year and continued for several months.

Police were called in and PC Joshua Millward and PC Neal Scarborough, of the Staple Hill neighbourhood policing team, successfully led a “complex investigation” resulting in the court action.

In addition to the ban on contacting his victim, Adetu was told to complete a one-year community order, 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation, as well as paying a victim surcharge of £114 when he was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates Court last Thursday.

Stalker ‘posed a serious risk’

Afterwards PC Millward said: “Stalking and harassment are serious crimes which can have a devastating effect on the lives of victims and their friends and family. 

“This case reflects a clear pattern of behaviour that posed a serious risk to the victim’s well-being.

“While anyone can be a victim, stalking and harassment disproportionately impact women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls offences are a priority for our force, and we remain committed to supporting victims and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

Courage

“The courage shown by the victim in coming forward played a vital role in enabling the police to take action and highlights the importance of reporting such offences.”

Police said any kind of persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking, and is “unacceptable”. 

A spokesperson said: “Stalking follows the pattern of FOUR – Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted and Repeated.

“We would encourage anyone who thinks they are being stalked to report it to police straight away.”If you are in immediate danger call 999, otherwise you can report online, at a police station or by calling 101. 

“If you’re not ready to speak to police, please reach out for support from the National Stalking Helpline.”