STALKER DROVE EX-PARTNER TO BRINK OF SUICIDE AND THEN SENT HER FUNERAL PLAN
A man with a history of stalking has received a prison sentence after pushing his former partner to the point of contemplating suicide, and subsequently sending her details of a funeral plan.Craig Hocking, who had previously served two jail terms for stalking a young mother, reinitiated his harassment campaign within just 12 hours of being released from custody.
He gained access to her social media accounts and used them to contact her repeatedly.
Additionally, he created an OnlyFans profile in her name and ordered a Chinese takeaway that was delivered to her residence in South Devon.
In desperation, she contacted his mother, pleading for him to stop, and revealed that her stress and anxiety had become so overwhelming she was considering taking her own life.
In response, Hocking, who had been arrested and released on bail, sent her a message stating: “every soul shall taste death,” and arranged for her to receive offers for a funeral plan, will-writing services, and life insurance.
He continued messaging her through various platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, and even via her PlayStation account, until authorities finally detained him 17 days after his initial release.
The 28-year-old woman described how his stalking triggered severe anxiety, leading her to the verge of suicide, which she only avoided in order to care for her three children.
Hocking, aged 31 and residing in Balland Park, Ashburton, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated stalking and breaching a restraining order twice.
Judge David Evans sentenced him to two years in prison at Exeter Crown Court, remarking: “When she contacted your mother expressing suicidal thoughts, your abusive conduct turned darker as you made references to funerals and wills, worsening her despair.
She believed she was the one confined to her home, but in reality, it was you who should have been restrained.” The court also issued a new restraining order extending for ten years, imposing stricter conditions including restrictions on his travel within a large radius around her residence.
Prosecutor Miss Victoria Bastock stated that Hocking had previously been jailed for stalking in August the previous year but was released early on December 30, 2022, under a home detention curfew.
As soon as he obtained a new phone, he began sending her messages again, reactivated her compromised Facebook account, and launched a barrage of communications.
She received notifications of new accounts being created in her name, including one on OnlyFans.
Hocking was detained again on January 6 this year but was released on bail and continued his harassing behaviour despite court-imposed restrictions not to contact her.
Miss Evie Dean, defending, explained that Hocking has recently been diagnosed with autism, and a psychological assessment suggested this condition impaired his ability to empathise and recognise the harm he was causing.
She stated: “He struggles to comprehend complex emotions following the end of their relationship and now feels profound shame and remorse.”
