Pontefract man jailed for stalking campaign causing serious distress
Victim forced to live in fear due to prolonged abuse
Last updated 28th Nov 2025
A Pontefract man has been jailed for more than five years after carrying out a stalking campaign that caused serious distress to a victim over nearly two years.
Andrew Philip Russell, 35, of George Street, was sentenced at York Crown Court on 21st November 2025 to five years and four months for stalking involving serious alarm or distress.
Manipulative campaign
Russell was in a relationship with another woman when he began stalking the victim, employing measures to intimidate her and making her believe the threats were coming from an ex-partner.
This campaign of abuse started with a tracking device being fitted to her car, escalating to threatening messages from fake social media accounts, attempts to hack into her email and social media accounts, and disabling her home security cameras.
Posing as her ex-partner, Russell sent messages claiming "people were being paid to watch her," that he was "angry at being in prison," and wanted to "punish her."
The situation worsened when Russell broke into her home, further intimidating the victim with unknown phone calls and voice messages. His actions led her to move multiple times as he consistently found her locations.
Investigation
North Yorkshire Police discovered Russell’s actions following a detailed investigation, including CCTV evidence linking him to phone numbers used in the stalking.
Detective Sergeant Michelle Neighbour, from North Yorkshire Police’s Stalking Support Team, commended the victim’s bravery, stating:
“Her life and that of her children have been turned upside down and completely disrupted by the actions of Russell, yet she kept faith that justice would prevail.
“Despite his conniving attempts to evade prosecution, Russell was found out and eventually pleaded guilty.
“This case highlights the incredible lengths stalking perpetrators can go to and the serious consequences it can have on victims, emotionally, psychologically, and physically.”
Victim statement
The victim provided a statement to the court, saying:
“The prolonged abuse and manipulation have had a profound effect on my mental health. Living in constant fear, uncertainty, and instability has caused significant emotional distress to me and my children.
“Even now, I continue to struggle with trust and feelings of vulnerability, and I have required ongoing support and intervention to manage these effects.
“We have already served a sentence—living in fear, displaced, and traumatised.”
Protection orders
A full Stalking Protection Order (SPO) was granted against Russell during the investigation, initially for five years. Following sentencing, Judge Morris extended the SPO to 10 years upon Russell’s release to ensure additional measures to prevent reoffending.
North Yorkshire Police advised anyone experiencing unwanted contact to report concerns immediately. Their dedicated Stalking Support Team offers guidance and safeguarding for high-risk victims.