DEVON WOMAN CLARA GUTTRIDGE AKA MACKOW JAILED FOR NIGHTMARE STALKING CAMPAIGN
A Devon woman has been jailed for a disturbing campaign of stalking and harassment.Clara Guttridge, from Brixham, made life hell for her two victims by sending hate-filled messages and ignoring warnings to stop, Exeter Crown Court heard.
The 41-year-old was branded a dangerous offender and sentenced to four years plus an extended three-year licence period after pleading guilty to two offences of stalking committed between January 7 and February 6 of this year.
She also admitted breaching a suspended sentence imposed for harassment.
She was known by the nickname Mackow.
The court heard Guttridge sent threatening messages to two victims, which the judge said were intended to maximise their distress.
Judge Stephen Climie stated he was more than satisfied that at the present time Guttridge poses a risk due to her obsessive and paranoid personality.
The judge listened to victim impact statements where victims described receiving increasingly worrying messages from her.
One, who felt 'totally miserable' and had quit his job because of the stress, said Guttridge left him with no choice but to go to police and described the situation as a 'vile situation' he felt powerless to stop.
The second victim said Guttridge caused extreme distress and trauma through her erratic behaviour and her craving for attention, having been sent multiple hate messages and calling the experience a 'horrific nightmare'.
'Clara is dangerous and I'm worried about her erratic behaviour,' the second victim stated.
The court heard Guttridge has 16 prior convictions, mostly related to similar offences.
Herc Ashworth, defending, stated the stalking was mainly threatening messages and emphasized that Guttridge had not been violent.
He explained that her behaviour was linked to her mental health and the breakdown of a relationship that caused her significant upset.
