BRAIN MIDDLETON FROM DUNDEE SENTENCED FOR STALKING AND HARASSMENT OF TWO SISTERS IN DUNDEE

Brian Middleton, a man from Dundee with a troubling history, has been sentenced to seven months in prison after admitting to a series of disturbing stalking and harassment behaviors directed at two women who were essentially strangers to him. The court heard that Middleton, aged 45, engaged in a pattern of obsessive and invasive conduct that caused significant fear and distress to the victims.

Middleton’s actions included persistent attempts to contact the women through social media platforms and the mailing of numerous letters, some of which contained highly inappropriate and disturbing content. Despite having little to no connection with the women beyond residing in the same area of Dundee, Middleton believed himself to be in a relationship with one of them, which fueled his delusional behavior. He also made false claims about being the father of her children and made inappropriate remarks about her family members, including comments of a sexual and violent nature.

The court was informed that Middleton’s harassment extended over a period from August 2 to September 5, 2021, when he engaged in conduct that caused the first woman to fear for her safety. His attempts to contact her included sending messages via social media and writing letters, some of which falsely suggested a romantic relationship and included references to her children. Additionally, Middleton made inappropriate comments about her children and claimed to be their father, despite having no factual basis for these assertions. These messages and letters were sent from a Dundee address and from Perth Prison, where Middleton was incarcerated at the time.

Furthermore, Middleton’s harassment did not stop there. Between September 16 and November 13, 2021, he targeted the sister of the first woman, engaging in a course of conduct that caused her to fear and be alarmed. His actions towards her included sending repeated social media messages, a lock of hair, and letters containing sexual comments about her and disturbing remarks about her father. The court was told that Middleton’s behavior was driven by a delusional state, which he claimed was caused by drug-induced psychosis.

In addition to his stalking activities, Middleton admitted to assaulting two children by patting them on their bottoms while they played in the street, uttering the phrase “Smack your bum bums” during these incidents. He also admitted to lashing out at police officers during his arrest, further demonstrating his volatile state.

During the court proceedings, fiscal depute Sarah High explained that Middleton’s victims had little to no prior connection with him, aside from living in the same neighborhood. She emphasized that Middleton’s belief he was in a relationship with one of the women led him to send her numerous letters and messages, which then extended to her sister. The court was told that Middleton’s delusional state was a result of his ongoing drug misuse and mental health issues.

Defense solicitor Kevin Hampton acknowledged Middleton’s mental health struggles, describing his behavior as stemming from drug misuse and a resulting psychosis. Despite this, Sheriff Gregor Murray emphasized the seriousness of Middleton’s actions, noting that his previous criminal record left no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. The sheriff also highlighted that the letters and messages Middleton sent had caused considerable stress and alarm to the victims, justifying the seven-month jail term handed down.

In conclusion, Middleton’s conduct, characterized by obsessive stalking, inappropriate comments, and physical assaults, has resulted in a significant custodial sentence. The case underscores the impact of mental health issues intertwined with criminal behavior and the importance of protecting victims from such invasive and distressing conduct.