A man who was arrested earlier this month in Chippenham for stalking and harassment has been sentenced at Salisbury Magistrates Court this week.
Mark Bowler, of Englishcombe Lane, Bath, started to harass his victims at the beginning of January 2024, sending numerous emails and social media messages that started to be written in a more threatening nature as time went on.
From March, Bowler began to stalk one of his victims, finding out where she worked and repeatedly turning up, posing as other people. The victims reported the incidents to Wiltshire Police on 7th March and Bowler was arrested earlier this month.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for stalking, four weeks for harassment to run consecutively, suspended for two years. He was also given a restraining order for three years and ordered to pay £154 victim costs and £400 in costs.
LCI O’Harney, lead investigator said: “I’d like to thank the victims in this case for having the courage to report this series of stalking and harassment incidents the police and having the resilience to pursue the police investigation."Bowler has a flagrant disregard for people and their property and the extreme and variety of lengths he went to discover the victim’s whereabouts, were planned and included impersonating others.
"Bowler’s actions were intrusive, unwanted and caused the victims to live in fear.”
If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of stalking or harassment there are a few different ways you can report it to the police. We understand it can be difficult. Our officers and partner organisations are here to listen and work together to support you in any way we can. Importantly, your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe.
