GEORGE COUGHLAN FROM WOLVERHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR ONLINE STALKING AND HACKING

A resident of Wolverhampton, 33-year-old George Coughlan, has been formally sentenced to a prison term following his involvement in a series of disturbing online stalking and hacking activities. The case, which drew significant attention from local authorities, highlights the increasing prevalence of cyber harassment and the serious legal consequences that follow.

According to court records, Coughlan engaged in a malicious campaign against a woman he knew, beginning in December of the previous year. Over this period, he created a total of 19 counterfeit Instagram accounts with the sole purpose of harassing and intimidating his victim. His actions included sending hundreds of threatening messages, many of which contained alarming language designed to instill fear. In addition to verbal threats, Coughlan went as far as sharing a video of the woman relaxing in her own home lounge, an act that significantly violated her privacy and added to her distress.

The victim, who was familiar with Coughlan, eventually reported the harassment to the police on February 29. Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly, arresting Coughlan and seizing his mobile device for forensic analysis. Investigators uncovered a disturbing pattern of online activity, including searches related to hacking into the victim’s iCloud account without verification, as well as attempts to locate free mobile phone tracking services that operate without the user’s knowledge. Further examination of his device revealed that Coughlan had conducted extensive research into spyware capable of monitoring SMS messages, phone calls, social media activity, and GPS location data.

It was also discovered that Coughlan had linked 61 social media accounts to his phone, which he used to communicate with the victim. His digital footprint included the download of 67 video files, which he obtained by hacking into her CCTV system, further demonstrating the extent of his invasive actions. These activities caused significant alarm and distress to the victim, prompting legal action.

On October 23, Coughlan appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of stalking that caused serious alarm and distress. The court sentenced him to 21 months in prison. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from contacting or approaching the victim in any capacity. The case underscores the growing concern over online harassment, with police noting that reports of stalking and harassment have increased by nearly a third over the past year. Much of this activity has been conducted through digital means, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown period when individuals spent more time on social media platforms.

Inspector Cate Webb-Jones of West Midlands Police commented on the case, stating, 'Coughlan went to extreme lengths to exert control and intrude on his victim’s life. We don’t differentiate between face-to-face or online harassment: it’s still an offence and we will take action. We wish the victim well as she continues to rebuild her life following this traumatic experience.'