A MAN who spent \u201cseveral months\u201d stalking a woman in Staple Hill has been prosecuted following a police investigation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He was given a non-custodial sentence and made subject to a two-year restraining order banning him from contact with his victim.<\/p>\n
Avon & Somerset police said Adetu, aged 45, \u201cmade unwanted approaches to his victim, with propositions in the street and at her home\u201d.<\/p>\n
The stalking started in May last year and continued for several months.<\/p>\n
Police were called in and PC Joshua Millward and PC Neal Scarborough, of the Staple Hill neighbourhood policing team, successfully led a \u201ccomplex investigation\u201d resulting in the court action.<\/p>\n
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 \u00a3114 when he was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates Court last Thursday.<\/p>\n
Stalker \u2018posed a serious risk\u2019<\/p>\n
Afterwards PC Millward said: \u201cStalking and harassment are serious crimes which can have a devastating effect on the lives of victims and their friends and family.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis case reflects a clear pattern of behaviour that posed a serious risk to the victim\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile anyone can be a victim, stalking and harassment disproportionately impact women and girls.<\/p>\n
\u201cViolence 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.<\/p>\n
Courage<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police said any kind of persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking, and is \u201cunacceptable\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A spokesperson said: \u201cStalking follows the pattern of FOUR \u2013 Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted and Repeated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would encourage anyone who thinks they are being stalked to report it to police straight away.\u201dIf you are in immediate danger call 999, otherwise you can report online<\/a>, at a police station or by calling 101.\u00a0<\/p>\n