A Trowbridge man who stalked a woman has been given a suspended prison term.
Simon Anteney pleaded guilty to the offence in November last year – but returned to Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday (3 June) where he narrowly escaped being caged.
The 35-year-old, of Yarnbrook Gardens, bombarded his victim with messages, gifts and visits to her home and work place.
He also contacted his victim’s family and set up false email accounts to contact her.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that Anteney was handed a 20-month prison sentence suspended and told to participate in an accredited programme for 28 days.
He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.
The defendant was slapped with a restraining order, which prohibits him from contacting his victim for five years.
Local crime investigator Dawson said “I commend the victim in this case for their bravery in coming forward and her strength throughout our investigation.
“Stalking is a crime which has a profound effect on those experiencing it.
“This is something Wiltshire Police take seriously and we will respond robustly to reports of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour which intrusively impacts upon people’s lives.
“If members of the public think that they might be experiencing stalking I would encourage them to report it to the police so that positive action can be taken.
“Support and advice is also available from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.”
Stalking is a pattern of targeted behaviour which is fixated, obsessive unwanted and repeated in its nature. It could be someone you know, or it might be a stranger.
If it’s someone you know, or knew, it doesn’t mean that it’s your fault.
Stalking may include:
- Contacting someone by any means
- Regularly following someone
- Repeatedly going uninvited to their home
- Checking someone’s internet use, email or other electronic communication
- Hanging around somewhere they know the person often visits
- Interfering with their property
- Watching or spying on someone
- Identity theft (signing-up to services, buying things in someone’s name)
You can find more information on stalking on the Wiltshire Police website >
Editor’s note: Wiltshire Police, in a press release, said that Anteney was given a prison sentence for his crime. This was incorrect, and the force has updated their press release – confirming he was given a suspended prison sentence. On being notified of their error, we amended this article.
