A 37-year-old man from Chippenham has been sentenced to a year in prison for multiple stalking offences, following a troubling pattern of harassment against a victim.
Tyson Junior Miller, of Hill Rise in Chippenham, was sentenced at Salisbury Magistrates Court on 19th December after pleading guilty to charges of stalking that caused serious alarm and fear of violence, in addition to breaching his bail conditions.
Local Crime Investigator Roz Hadden addressed the court, stating that while Miller may appear to be a harmless, love-struck individual, his actions were anything but.
“His pursuit of the victim was relentless. Just hours after being released on bail, with strict conditions not to contact her, he sent her a friend request on Snapchat,” Hadden reported.
During an interview with investigators, Miller cited childhood abandonment issues as a reason for his behaviour. However, Hadden said that his previous history of stalking and harassing past partners should have served as a crucial warning sign.
“Miller tried to play the victim while he was scaring the life out of the actual victim, especially when he showed up at her house, believing she had moved on and found a new partner. I have no doubt that if he had not been arrested again, he would have continued to pursue her,” Hadden added.
The case sheds light on the serious issue of stalking, which often goes unreported. Hadden stressed that such behaviour is unacceptable and encouraged anyone experiencing stalking to seek help.
"If you are experiencing stalking, there is valuable information and support available on our website," she stated, referring to Wiltshire Police's resources on the matter.
The four primary signs of stalking include being fixated, obsessive, unwanted, and engaging in repeated contact.
Victims can include ex-partners, former friends, or even strangers.
Social media platforms, chat rooms, and gaming sites are frequently used by perpetrators to harass their victims.
If you or someone you know is facing stalking, it’s crucial to reach out for support.
Wiltshire Police encourage victims to report their experiences and seek assistance. For those hesitant to contact the police, sharing the situation with someone else can be a vital step. Additional resources, such as the National Stalking Helpline provided by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, are also available for those in need. Stalking is a serious offence, and no one should suffer in silence.
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