Blackpool stalker who entered woman's home to take pictures of her work calendar jailed

Stephen Boyne, of Helens Close, South Shore was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday (May 4) after pleaded guilty to stalking

The 55-year-old was handed a 35 week prison sentence and a restraining order, preventing him from contacting the woman.

PC Natalie Tidmas, of Blackpool Police, said: "This was a very traumatic and disturbing ordeal for the victim who over a period of several months became concerned by Boyne’s increasingly erratic and worrying behaviour."

Boyne was arrested earlier this year after a woman approached police at a petrol station in Kirkham.

The victim, who said a man was following her in a car, pointed to the vehicle driven by Boyne.

The woman then told officers of a number of previous incidents involving Boyne.

In February, Boyne messaged the victim to say he knew she had a number of items in her house - which police said could not be seen outside the home.

She raised this with officers and highlighted concerns Boyne had access to the address.

Later in the month, Boyne shouted through her letterbox and an open window in an attempt to speak to her.

The victim changed the locks and urged Boyne not to contact her again.

"Despite blocking Boyne’s phone number he started emailing her, as well as turning up at her address unannounced," PC Natalie Tidmas added.

"The incidents culminated with Boyne following the victim in her car before she raised the alarm and spoke to police officers."

Officers seized his phone which was examined.

The phone had two photos which showed the victim's work calendar from her kitchen.

The date and time stamp proved the pictures were taken when the victim was out of the house at work.

Boyne was charged with stalking and was subsequently handed a 35 week prison sentence.

PC Natalie Tidmas said: "This must have been very frightening for the victim and I must praise her strength in coming forward, contacting police and supporting a prosecution.

"The victim has asked me to urge people in this situation to seek help. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you are from it can happen to anyone. Please tell your friends, ring police, or this will never stop.

"We would urge anyone who is being affected by stalking to speak to a local officer, contact us on 101 or ring the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300. All reports will be taken seriously and dealt with robustly.

"The national centre for domestic violence 'NCDV', Women's Aid and Fylde coast Women's Aid also offer support."

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