A West Midlands man has been jailed for a relentless stalking campaign that saw him send a staggering nearly 10,000 messages to a terrified woman, leaving her living in constant fear.
Carl Jones, 37, embarked on what prosecutors described as a "persistent and escalating" harassment campaign against his victim throughout 2023. The court heard how Jones bombarded the woman with messages across multiple platforms, creating an atmosphere of terror that fundamentally impacted her daily life.
The Harassment Campaign
Birmingham Crown Court was told the disturbing details of Jones's behaviour:
- Sent approximately 9,800 messages over several months
- Used multiple communication platforms to reach his victim
- Engaged in behaviour that caused significant psychological distress
- Ignored repeated requests to stop contact
Impact on the Victim
The victim provided a powerful statement to the court, describing how the constant barrage of messages left her fearing for her personal safety and unable to live her life normally. The psychological toll of the harassment was evident as she described changing her routines and constantly looking over her shoulder.
Legal Consequences
Judge Simon Drew KC delivered a clear message about the seriousness of stalking offences in the digital age. Jones was sentenced to:
- Immediate prison term
- Criminal record for stalking offences
- Restrictions on future contact with the victim
The judge emphasised that persistent digital harassment constitutes serious criminal behaviour and will be treated as such by the courts.
Broader Implications
This case serves as a stark reminder that stalking in the digital era can be just as terrifying and impactful as physical following. West Midlands Police have reiterated their commitment to taking stalking complaints seriously and encouraging victims to come forward.
The sentencing sends a clear warning to potential offenders that the justice system recognises the profound impact digital harassment can have on victims' lives and mental wellbeing.
