A man has avoided prison for stalking a young woman over a two month period.
73-year-old Saverio Rizzelo followed 19-year-old administrator Mia Cable and sat outside her place of work – Batt Broadbent in Salisbury – in August, September and October 2022.
The defendant denied an offence of stalking, but at trial at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 19 October District Judge Stephen Apted found him guilty of the course of conduct.
He appeared before the same court today (Thursday) for sentencing, assisted by an Italian interpreter.
The full details of the case weren’t outlined in open court, despite submissions made by Wiltshire 999s to have the case opened by the prosecutor in line with the open justice principles.
Defence solicitor Paul Jones said that his client maintains he has “no recollection of this young lady”.
Judge Apted told the defendant, of Festival Avenue, Salisbury, that he knows exactly who she is and imposed a 12-month restraining order – prohibiting him from contacting Miss Cable or going to Castle Street, where the Batt Broadbent offices are located.
He added that Rizzelo’s stalking “was intended to cause some fear and distress and there was some planning involved” – highlighting that he “caused some distress” to his victim.
Judge Apted also imposed a 12-month community order with the requirement to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay £150 compensation to Miss Cable, a £100 fine and £614 court fees.
He warned Rizzelo that breaching the restraining order could land him behind bars.
