A MAN who used various social media platforms to stalk his victim despite being on bail has been sentenced.

Patrick Egerton, 29, of Spiders Island, Alderbury, had previously been given a restraining order in Northern Ireland preventing him from contacting the victim, but he continued to do so and was arrested in Wiltshire in September on suspicion of harassment.

He was bailed but continued to contact the victim, members of her family and neighbours over the phone.

He then began posting allegations of child abuse against the victim on social media, sharing her address and pictures of her, causing her a significant amount of fear.

He was arrested and charged with stalking with a fear of violence and pleaded guilty.

On November 28, he appeared at Swindon Crown Court and was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and given a 10-year restraining order which prevents him from contacting the victim, attending her address or posting about her on social media.

In a personal impact statement provided to the court, the victim described how Egerton’s behaviour had left her living in fear.

“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.”

Investigator Joe Cantillon 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.”

Anyone who has been a victim of stalking, or wants to know more about how to report it, should visit www.wiltshire.police.uk