DAVE SHARP SENTENCED TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL IN FIFE FOR STALKING CHARITY WORKERS

Dave Sharp, a prominent advocate for survivors of child sex abuse, has received a 60-day jail sentence for stalking fellow charity workers. The incident arose following a dispute with two individuals associated with Wellbeing Scotland, an organization with which he had previously been involved.

Sharp, who endured severe abuse at a residential school in Fife, became increasingly paranoid, believing that Janine Rennie, the head of Wellbeing Scotland, and others were plotting against him. This belief led him to send a series of intimidating messages, including statements like, "Be afraid, be very afraid," and threats to "destroy" his targets.

One particularly concerning message threatened that Alloa would be' making headlines akin to the Christchurch massacre in New Zealand.' These threats were documented through multiple emails and text messages sent between April 2018 and August 2019, illustrating a troubling pattern of intimidation that caused significant fear among his victims.

Ms. Rennie testified about the emotional toll Sharp’s actions had taken on her, highlighting the humiliation and distress caused by his public threats. She explained that although she had been understanding of Sharp's background, his relentless pursuit left her feeling scared and vulnerable: "Despite my understanding, Sharp's campaign against me made me feel frightened."

Sharp admitted to engaging in conduct that caused others to feel fear or alarm. His defense pointed to his history of extreme abuse and claimed he had turned his life around. However, he opposed a restriction order that would limit his freedom, arguing it would interfere with his advocacy efforts.

In response, Sheriff Neil Bowie sentenced Sharp to 60 days in jail and issued non-harassment orders to protect Ms. Rennie and another victim from further threats.