STALKER AARON BAILEY, WHO INFLICTED 'MENTAL TORTURE' ON HIS TERRIFIED VICTIM
Aaron Bailey, aged 37, subjected a woman to what York Crown Court described as a “bizarre” and deeply distressing campaign of harassment, which included turning up at her home with unsolicited gifts ranging from plants to a microwave.Prosecutor Annie Richardson explained that Bailey's behaviour escalated over time and had a severe psychological impact on the woman, who knew him only through her professional role.
“Unfortunately, he started to leave her unwanted gifts and attended (her) office,” said Ms Richardson.
The first instance involved a bag of chocolates, accompanied by a note referencing “how I was the other day.” Bailey continued delivering gifts, some of which were believed to have been taken from a female relative, and later sent the victim a disturbing letter in which he falsely declared her to be his girlfriend.
Despite a temporary pause in contact, he resumed communication, this time insisting they had a sexual relationship.
In July 2020, he posted a postcard from prison, and upon his release in February 2021, he left flowers and a plant on her car.
Shortly after, he sent a Valentine’s Day card to her home with the message: “I love you.” Bailey, of St Nicholas Street, was arrested on 4 March last year but denied any wrongdoing.
The woman later described how the stalking had upended her life.
Once confident and self-assured, she became anxious and hypervigilant.
Her work suffered, and the fear of being watched led her to keep her doors locked at all times and avoid opening her blinds.
Although Bailey had pleaded guilty to stalking between June 2019 and March 2021, he refused to leave his cell to attend his sentencing hearing.
Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, opted to proceed in his absence.
Ms Richardson told the court this was not Bailey’s first encounter with the law over similar behaviour.
In 2012, he sent a woman “creepy” text messages of a sexual nature and falsely informed her neighbour they were in a relationship.
The following year, he approached another woman at her home and told her he was in love with her.
In 2015, he stared through a neighbour’s window and, when asked to leave, responded with violence.
Then, in 2018, after a brief discussion with a woman about a motorbike sale, he began writing her letters detailing explicit sexual fantasies, addressed to “the occupier and my gorgeous, sexy friend.” Despite her reporting the matter to police, Bailey turned up at her home with a hamper of wine, chocolates, and sweets.
A few days later, he returned with red roses, demanding clarity about “the state of their relationship.” The harassment escalated into threats.
From prison, Bailey sent letters threatening to destroy her property with a claw hammer and to kill both her and her boyfriend.
His criminal history also includes a conviction in April last year for criminal damage at a dental clinic, following a series of outrageous and unfounded claims.
He had prior convictions for threatening behaviour, possession of a knife, and assaults, including an incident in December 2019 in which he was seen waving a spade in Scarborough.
Nick Peacock, in mitigation, said Bailey had dismissed his legal team and appeared to struggle with mental health issues, though no formal diagnosis had been made.
Bailey had been recalled to prison following his March arrest and had remained on remand.
Judge Morris characterised Bailey’s conduct as “utterly bizarre,” and suggested he likely suffers from a personality disorder.
“This was a form of mental torture on this lady whose life has been completely turned upside down,” said the judge.
“Once this kind of stalking takes place, all it takes is sometimes a single flower to be left on a doorstep to create terror and the defendant has got a record for it.” Bailey was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
A restraining order was issued for a duration of ten years, prohibiting any contact with the victim.
