CONTROLLING STALKER JAILED FOR TARGETING WOMAN
A man who exerted control over a woman by invading her privacy and taking photographs inside her residence has received a prison sentence.John Harris caused significant fear and emotional suffering to his victim, a woman with whom he had a prior relationship, in Crawley.
On one occasion, Harris also damaged her property by breaking a hammer at her address.
This followed a period during which he displayed coercive behavior, insistently demanding access to her messages on her phone and social media platforms, while also obsessively tracking her location.
At 41 years old, Harris repeatedly sent unsolicited messages and attempted to contact her despite her clear discomfort.
The victim stated, “I spent each day looking over my shoulder.” During a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on 28 April, Harris, who resides in Pound Hill, Crawley, was sentenced to three years and three months imprisonment.
Additionally, he was issued a restraining order preventing him from making further contact.
He was convicted of stalking causing significant distress and of coercive control.
In a prior hearing, he also admitted to possessing cannabis.
Details presented in court revealed that Harris was arrested in March of the previous year after he made contact with the woman, whom he knew since 2024.
The victim explained her fear that refusing him access to her phone would lead to repercussions.
Court testimony highlighted that Harris frequently belittled and demeaned her, monitored her movements and daily routines, and later was known to appear suddenly in public places where she was attending events.
The victim expressed that this behavior left her feeling scared even within her home, describing her state as feeling “trapped and hopeless.” “I feel like a different person,” she said.
“This type of abuse leaves invisible scars.
I am speaking out for myself, but in the hope that it helps others who have gone through similar abuse.”
