PLYMOUTH MAN JAILED FOR STALKING EX AND CAUSING CHAOS
A woman who survived stalking has shared how her former partner's behaviour turned her life into a nightmare and led to her losing her employment.Christopher Shaw, aged 39, was recently sentenced to 20 months in prison at Truro Crown Court for his disturbing conduct over several months starting at Christmas of the previous year.
Shaw, from the Plymouth area, was convicted of stalking in the vicinity of St Austell.
The court was informed that Shaw repeatedly called the victim at her workplace, lingered outside her residence late at night, and caused harassment among her neighbours.
Additionally, he violated a restraining order by calling her and making threats to kill her.
The victim, an NHS employee who wished to remain anonymous, has spoken openly about the profound toll Shaw's actions have taken on her life.
She explained, "I met him two years ago, and we had a brief relationship.
I'm from Cornwall and he's from Plymouth.
He subjected me to immense distress.
He got me fired due to his persistent calls to my workplace.
He also loitered at night and caused trouble for my neighbours.
At one point, he threw a brick at my niece's window and threatened my family members." She described how she obtained a restraining order that Shaw disregarded, breaching it by calling her and threatening to kill her.
Reflecting on her experience, she said, "These past two years have been the worst of my life.
I was on anti-depressants, and I hope no other woman has to endure this.
There were weeks I couldn't get out of bed, but I'm grateful for friends and family supporting me.
The ordeal has left a lasting mark.
I trained for four years for that job the one Shaw's actions forced me to leave and I still feel shaken.
When I approach my car, I glance over my shoulder, and it was truly hell for a while.
He did everything you can think of.
He spread my name on Facebook, got me arrested, and rummaged through my belongings in my flat, even discarding my perfumes.
I have an uneasy feeling I'll hear from him again; his obsession is intense.
He also lied to my brother, claiming I was the abuser, though I want everyone to understand that I am the victim.
He is a manipulator." Judge Christopher Quinlan, sentencing Shaw, acknowledged the impact on the victim and sentenced him to 20 months in custody.
