A father of three has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after admitting to a campaign of stalking that caused his victim extreme anxiety and serious distress through the creation of fake social media accounts.
Persistent Harassment Through Digital Means
Thomas Brown, 35, of Wellfield Road in Bucknall, began contacting his victim on April 8, 2025, using fabricated online identities to send persistent and unwelcome messages. The court heard how Brown's actions escalated over a 22-day period, culminating in his arrest on April 29 last year.
Prosecutor Edmund Potts detailed how the victim first became alarmed after receiving a call from an unrecognised number on April 8. "She feared it may be the defendant," Mr Potts told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. "She asked a friend to return the call. The defendant answered the phone."
Taunting Messages and Psychological Impact
Ten days later, on April 18, the victim received messages from someone identifying themselves as 'Fred' through the Kik messaging platform. While the communications were not overtly threatening or abusive, they were described as "persistent or unwelcome" and included derogatory language.
"He called her a slapper," Mr Potts stated. "The defendant sent messages from at least two different Kik platforms. The defendant's contact over the weeks caused the victim extreme anxiety. She remains in fear of further contact from him."
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Brown pleaded guilty to stalking, causing serious alarm or distress, between April 7 and April 29, 2025. Despite having no previous convictions of a similar nature, Judge Richard McConaghy imposed a sentence of 51 months imprisonment.
In mitigation, defence counsel Robert Holt acknowledged Brown's alcohol consumption had acted as a "disinhibitor" and that his client "accepts fully he should not have gone down that road." Holt requested the court consider time already served as sufficient punishment, but this submission was rejected.
Judicial Condemnation and Protective Measures
Judge McConaghy delivered a stern rebuke to Brown during sentencing, highlighting the psychological impact on the victim and the calculated nature of the offending. "You stalked her. You created fake online accounts and bombarded her with messages. You taunted her. Your attitude in your pre-sentence report was appalling," the judge stated.
"Your intention was to cause serious distress. She suffered very serious distress. It is so serious [that] only immediate custody can be imposed," Judge McConaghy concluded.
In addition to the prison term, Brown was made subject to a lifelong restraining order prohibiting any contact with his victim. This case underscores the serious consequences of digital harassment and the legal system's increasing recognition of the profound psychological harm caused by persistent stalking behaviour, even when conducted through seemingly anonymous online channels.
