A DOWNEND man who spent “several months” stalking a woman in Staple Hill has been banned from contacting her.
Kola Adetu, of Overnhill Road, had denied a charge of stalking without causing fear, alarm or distress, but was found guilty by Bristol magistrates after a trial.
He was given a non-custodial sentence and made subject to a two-year restraining order banning him from contact with his victim.
Avon & Somerset police said Adetu, aged 45, “made unwanted approaches to his victim, with propositions in the street and at her home”.
The stalking started in May last year and continued for several months, a spokesperson said.
Police were called in and PC Joshua Millward and PC Neal Scarborough, of the Staple Hill neighbourhood policing team, successfully led a “complex investigation” resulting in the court action.
Adetu was ordered to complete a one-year community order, carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation, as well as paying a victim surcharge of £114 when he was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates Court in September.
Afterwards PC Millward said: “Stalking and harassment are serious crimes which can have a devastating effect on the lives of victims and their friends and family.
“This case reflects a clear pattern of behaviour that posed a serious risk to the victim’s well-being.
“While anyone can be a victim, stalking and harassment disproportionately impact women and girls.
“Violence against women and girls offences are a priority for our force, and we remain committed to supporting victims and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
“The courage shown by the victim in coming forward played a vital role in enabling the police to take action and highlights the importance of reporting such offences.”
Police said any kind of persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking and advised victims to beware of behaviour known as “FOUR – fixated, obsessed, unwanted and repeated”.
The force encouraged anyone who thinks they are being stalked to report it straight away.
Anyone who thinks they are in immediate danger should call 999. Otherwise stalking can be reported online at tinyurl.com/3y7nxtka, at a police station or by calling 101.
Victims who are not ready to talk to the police but need advice can contact the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or tinyurl.com/4pewv7y6.