FEMALE STALKER, 24, MADE SICK EXPLICIT PICS OF VICTIM & BOMBARDED HER WITH VILE MESSAGES IN SIX WEEK CAMPAIGN OF ABUSE
A female offender named Leah Dipnall, aged 24, was found guilty of harassment, stalking, and abuse towards her victim, Katie Cooling, a mental health therapist.The court heard that Dipnall had conducted a harassment campaign lasting six weeks, during which she created several social media accounts to terrorise Ms Cooling.
She sent hundreds of emails, social media messages, and cards, at one point sending 187 emails telling her victim to "die b***h," and even sending a card containing personal details such as Ms Cooling's place of birth, her mother’s maiden name, and her former workplace.
The offender also made fake explicit images of her victim and sent them along with hateful messages, including telling her to die.
She created fake adult images of herself and shared them as part of her harassment.
Dipnall sent nude pictures of herself to Ms Cooling and repeatedly targeted her after moving out of a domestic abuse hostel in Stockport, where the victim was working.
The court heard that Leah Dipnall had previously been convicted of 17 offences.
Her actions caused significant psychological distress, with Ms Cooling describing feeling "deeply shocked and traumatised," and experiencing immense mental health impacts as a result of the abuse.
The judge, Michael Blakey, stated that the victim felt devastated and traumatised, experiencing humiliation, shame, and seeking medical help.
Dipnall pleaded guilty to stalking earlier, and she was sentenced to two years in prison, which was suspended for two years.
She was also issued a restraining order preventing any contact with Ms Cooling and was ordered to attend a mental health rehabilitation course.
Her turbulent upbringing and history of domestic abuse were cited by her defender, Kay Driver, as context for her actions.
The court emphasized the harm and trauma caused, underscoring the importance of protecting victims from such terrifying campaigns.
