COUNTY DURHAM MAN GUILTY OF STALKING EX-WIFE AND PRETENDING TO BE POLICE OFFICER
Andrew Dawson, aged 43, from Catherine Terrace, Annfield Plain, was involved in a persistent stalking campaign against his ex-wife that lasted just shy of four months.The court heard he made 69 calls from a withheld number and used various aliases, including claiming to be a police officer, to harass her.
Despite her attempts to block his contact by asking him to remove social media posts and changing her phone number, Dawson continued to contact her through different numbers and accounts, including eight different phones and fake Facebook profiles.
His messages included threats to damage her property, accusations of betrayal, and false claims such as the death of a friend and that he was seeking her car.
In April last year, he was arrested, admitting to most of the unwanted contact but denying the use of aliases and pretending to be a police officer.
Dawson appeared before magistrates and pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm or distress.
The victim reported a significant impact on her life, having to change her car and move house due to fear.
The judge described his behaviour as bullying, noting the terror he caused his ex-wife, and highlighted the persistent nature of his stalking.
Dawson received a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years, was ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 27 rehabilitation days, and was subject to an indefinite restraining order.
He was also ordered to pay £250 costs.
The court was informed that Dawson’s prior good character and the fact he has not reoffended in 15 months influenced the decision.
The judge stated, “You have come as close as anybody can come to going to prison today.”
