A man who posted false allegations of child abuse online in a stalking campaign against a woman has been sent to prison.
Patrick Egerton repeatedly breached a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim, which was issued in Northern Ireland.
The 29-year-old used multiple social media platforms to stalk and intimidate the woman – and was arrested in Wiltshire in September.
After being released on bail, Egerton went on to contact the victim again, as well as members of her family and neighbours, making phone calls and posting allegations of child abuse online.
He also shared the victim’s address and photos of her on social media, leaving her terrified for her safety.
Egerton, of Spiders Island in Alderbury, near Salisbury, was later arrested and charged with stalking involving fear of violence. He pleaded guilty to the offence.
He appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday 28 November, where he was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
He was also handed a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim, visiting her home or posting about her online.
Investigator Joe Cantillon, from Wiltshire Police, said: “Over a period of several months, Egerton has continued to contact his victim, threatening her with violence on occasion and causing her to live in fear.
“He used various social media platforms to spread harmful lies about her and her family – his behaviour has caused her to feel extremely fearful and anxious.
“This behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
In a personal statement read in court, the victim described the lasting impact of the harassment.
“Since the beginning of all of this I have been having nightmares,” she said.
“There are certain places that I won’t go. Even though I know he is in prison at the moment I still won’t go. If I go out, I still feel anxious and paranoid.
“Some days are better than others, but there are days where I really struggle.”
