STALKER LEFT THREE WOMEN TERRIFIED WITH ABUSIVE MESSAGES AND ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR
A man named Luke Smith was involved in a series of disturbing behaviors targeting his former partner and others.He frequently loitered outside her workplace, falsely claimed she was under the influence of drugs to her employer, and reacted violently when another woman showed affection to her young child.
Smith carried out threats to ruin her life by sending intimidating messages and false email claims to her employer.
He also included a grieving mother in his vitriolic actions, causing her significant fear.
After spending a night with another woman, he became upset when she comforted her child in the morning.
Smith admitted to multiple offences at Newcastle Crown Court, including stalking and harassment, and was sentenced to a suspended prison term.
In July, he met the first victim on Facebook, and while she was asleep, he accessed her phone and gathered information about her friends and family.
He then sent abusive messages to her contacts, causing distress.
The next day, he questioned her about her social contacts, revealing he had gone through her phone.
During the confrontation, she expressed her desire to cut off contact.
Prosecutor Jane Foley detailed that Smith took issue with their breakup, claiming he loved her and threatening to 'ruin her life.' He also falsely informed her employer that she was intoxicated and high at work, prompting safeguarding measures after he was seen loitering near her workplace.
Smith additionally sent threatening messages to a woman living with her, who was the mother of her late partner, threatening to harm her house and calling her offensive names, even sending explicit images.
Despite complaints, he continued communications via social media and fake accounts.
The woman involved in the relationship stated her mental health has suffered, and she fears him showing up at her home.
The second woman, already grief-stricken from the loss of her children, described how Smith's messages increased her anxiety and made her afraid of opening her door.
The third victim, met on Facebook and visited by Smith at her home, described how he lashed out when her child woke early, and later sent her abusive messages, warning her against involving police and threatening her ex-partner.
Upon arrest, Smith claimed he would not carry out his threats and said he was hurting and feeling used.
The 26-year-old, from Sunderland, pleaded guilty to stalking that caused serious alarm, harassment, and malicious communications.
He was sentenced to ten months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 120 hours of unpaid work, and required to undergo mental health treatment, relationship-building programs, and was subject to a five-year restraining order in relation to all three victims.
