AMERICAN MAN JAILED FOR STALKING, BREAKING INTO UK HOME AND THREATENING WOMEN
A man from Chicago named Edward Best has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a range of severe offences including stalking, false imprisonment, attempted false imprisonment, and possession of an offensive weapon.According to Greater Manchester Police, Best became aggressive and obsessive after his online relationship with a woman broke down.
Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard that he would send her up to 100 messages daily, some containing threats of murder and rape.
On the evening of April 3, Best jumped over a rear wall and broke into her residence in Hyde, armed with a hammer, before barricading the doors and holding a hammer close to her face during a three-hour ordeal.
He found her cousin, who was there to look after the family cat, and subjected her to the same terrifying experience, barricading the doors and holding a hammer to her face, until she managed to escape through a window.
Prior to this, he watched her house for 12 days.
Best's attempt to flee was thwarted when he was stopped at Dublin Airport while trying to catch a flight to New York.
The police captured him and took him back to Manchester for questioning.
During the investigation, Best was also found to have sent numerous threatening messages and was aggressive and obsessive, as highlighted by Detective Constable Emily Blair.
She said his actions were 'extremely sinister and frightening for both young women.' She further explained that 'while this may be an unusual case, it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms.' The judge sentenced him to seven years in prison, emphasizing the threat he posed and the severity of his actions.
