A stalker who targeted a woman he knew in West Sussex has been jailed.
Michael Walker monitored the victim’s movements and repeatedly subjected her to unwanted contact, including making multiple calls a day and creating several social media accounts to reach her.
The court heard the stalking went on for almost five months, between June and October last year.
The 37-year-old was found guilty of stalking and was jailed for 16 weeks at Lewes Crown Court on 10 April.
It left the victim in fear, and she reported her experience to Sussex Police.
At interview, Walker, of Linton Glade, Croydon, was questioned about his behaviour, and told officers: “You’re the police, you work it out.”
Following an investigation by Public Protection officers, he was charged with stalking.
After a trial he was found guilty of the charge. He was found not guilty of coercive control.
Walker was also placed under a restraining order which prevents him from making contact with the victim or from attending addresses in Haywards Heath.
The order lasts until 2031.
Sussex Police stalking lead Detective Superintendent Ben Newman said: “We take all reports of stalking and harassment seriously.
“This case demonstrates our determination to get justice for victims, and we are pleased that Walker was found guilty in court.
“We encourage victims of stalking and harassment to report their experience to Sussex Police.”
Help and support for victims of stalking is available on the Sussex Police website and Safe:Space Sussex website.
Further information about reporting stalking to us is available online here.
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