A stalker from Trowbridge who left a woman in ‘constant fear’ in prison

A man has been jailed for six weeks after he stalked a woman and left her with a “constant sense of fear and uncertainty”.

Peter Milner, of Kenton Drive in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to bombarding his victim with messages. He also saved photos from her social media onto his own devices between September and November last year.

After the woman blocked him, he began contacting his friends and even filed a false police report about her, claiming she was being held hostage. His intrusive behavior continued into March, police said.

The 51-year-old “obsessive” was also given a seven-year restraining order and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.

His “ongoing harassment” began after the pair met through volunteer work.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: “His behavior extended to extreme measures of making false reports about me to the police, telling them I was being held hostage and that I was prevented from speaking to him.

“I found it particularly troubling because it showed he had no idea about reality.”

Following the false reports, officers visited the woman’s home and later informed Milner of her welfare.

“My sense of security that I once took for granted is gone, replaced by a constant sense of fear and uncertainty,” she added.

PC Michael Land, from Wiltshire Police, said: “Trespassing is an intrusive crime and we take reports very seriously.

“Victims are harassed endlessly, their privacy is completely invaded and the lasting impact on a victim can be life-changing.

“I hope this sentence gives other victims encouragement and reassurance that they will be heard and by working with the police they can help stop this impactful behaviour.”