Dales man jailed for stalking after victim subjected to 'terrifying ordeal'
54 year-old Mark Robert Stephens from Ingleton will spend two and a half years behind bars
Last updated 10th Jan 2021
A Yorkshire Dales man has been jailed for two and a half years for stalking, after he subjected his victim to what police have called a 'lengthy and terrifying ordeal'.
54 year-old Mark Robert Stephens from Ingleton pleaded guilty and was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday.
Over a period of 18 months he followed his female victim as she went about her daily life.
When she took her car to the garage for a routine check, it was discovered the vehicle had been fitted with a tracking device.
Police say Stephens' victim was made to feel like a 'prisoner in her own home'.
Detective Sergeant Ian Philips from North Yorkshire Police said:
“Stephens is a manipulative individual who made his victim feel terrified as she continued her day-to-day life. He set about befriending members of the local community in order to turn them against her, a calculated move to increase his victim’s feelings of isolation.
“Only now that he will be serving his prison sentence can she begin to rebuild her life, knowing that she is safe.
“The victim has shown a great deal of bravery in reporting this to the police and we would encourage anyone who feels threatened by the behaviour of an individual or who is experiencing any form of stalking or harassment to get in touch with us. We are here to help and support you, no matter what you are going through.”
Stephens pleaded guilty to the charge of stalking involving serious alarm/distress and has been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison.
He was also issued with a lifetime restraining order to protect his victim.
Anyone who wishes to report incidents of stalking or harassment is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or if it’s an emergency, call 999.
The force say they have specially-trained officers who can help victims of stalking and harassment, and can also help you access other support services.
You can find out more about the offences and what to do if you or someone you know is affected by visiting northyorkshire.police.uk/staying-safe/personal-safety/stalking-and-harassment/
Other places to find help:
National Stalking Helpline (run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust): 0808 802 0300
Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS): 03000 110 110
Supporting Victims: 0808 168 9293
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