UPDATE: A stalker has been sentenced to two years in prison after posting false child abuse allegations about his victim online. Patrick Egerton, 29, from Spiders Island, Alderbury, Wiltshire, was found guilty of stalking his victim, breaching a restraining order, and causing severe emotional distress.
The case reached a critical point when Egerton continued to harass his victim despite a 10-year restraining order that prohibited him from contacting her or posting about her on social media. He was arrested in September 2023 on suspicion of harassment after multiple violations.
Investigator Joe Cantillon stated, “Over a period of several months, Egerton has continued to contact his victim, threatening her with violence on occasion and causing her to live in fear.” This behavior escalated when Egerton began sharing damaging and false information about his victim, including her address and personal images, on various social media platforms.
Egerton’s initial restraining order was issued in Northern Ireland, where he had previously lived. However, his pattern of harassment persisted, leading to his arrest in Wiltshire. After being granted bail, he resumed contacting not only the victim but also her family and neighbors, intensifying her fear.
On November 28, Egerton appeared at Swindon Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to stalking with a fear of violence. The court heard a personal impact statement from the victim, revealing the profound emotional toll Egerton’s actions had taken on her life. “Since the beginning of all of this, I have been having nightmares,” she explained. “There are certain places that I won’t go. Even though I know he is in prison at the moment, I still feel anxious and paranoid.”
This ruling sends a strong message about the seriousness of stalking and harassment, with Cantillon emphasizing, “His behavior has caused her to feel extremely fearful and anxious. This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
As Egerton begins his sentence, the victim hopes for peace and recovery. This case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of online harassment and the need for robust protective measures for victims.
The community is urged to remain vigilant and support those affected by stalking, as the emotional scars of such actions can last long after the perpetrator is jailed.
