Mansfield man who stalked and sent hundreds of texts to a woman sentenced

David Richardson of Broomhill Lane, pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious harm/distress and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on 19 February 2020.

The victim first met Richardson two years ago, but he soon became obsessed with the woman and sent her 50-80 texts per day as well as constantly calling her.

Richardson was reported to the police in July 2019 and the woman hoped that a talking to by officers would make him stop.

After a brief spell of no contact, Richardson again started to call the victim again.

The woman reported the offences again after the persistent behaviour had a significant effect on her life. Richardson’s phone number was blocked, but he would still manage to contact her from numerous numbers.

Richardson would also create multiple Facebook profiles to try and contact the woman.

He would also park outside her home and watch to see when lights would come on and he would know she was awake and he could start to message again.

Detective Sergeant Hannah Frame who led the investigation said: "I'd like to praise her for her bravery throughout. The whole ordeal has been incredibly distressing and I hope the result gives her some comfort that he can't contact her again.”

Richardson was also given a 30-day rehabilitation course, 175 hours of unpaid work and an indefinite restraining order which prohibits contact with the victim and being near her home address.