BOURNEMOUTH MAN JAILED FOR STALKING POOLE WOMAN
Update 27/01/2026: Matthew Ashley Foster‑Smith, 46, from Bournemouth, is serving a two‑year-and-two‑month sentence for offences committed in 2023.Poole Magistrates' Court imposed an indefinite stalking prevention order after a request from Dorset Police's High Harm Unit.
The order requires Foster‑Smith to keep in regular contact with police, including notifying them of his address and vehicle details.
It also prohibits him from contacting his victim in any way and places restrictions on his use of electronic communication devices.
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A STALKER has been jailed for more than two years after he frequently harassed a Poole woman in public and online.
Detectives compiled detailed evidence as part of an investigation to seek justice for a victim of stalking in Poole.
Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, 46 and of Bournemouth, was found guilty of stalking and breach of a restraining order at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday, October 21.
The incidents occurred between Monday, May 15 2023 and Tuesday October, 31 2023 involving a woman aged in her 40s who was known to Foster-Smith.
Over the course of the offending, Foster-Smith was seen outside the victim’s place of work, created further opportunities to encounter her in public and researched her on numerous internet platforms.
At the same court on Wednesday, October 22, Foster-Smith was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.
He was also sentenced for breaching a restraining order that was in place involving a different victim.
Detective constable Thomas Norman, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The defendant’s behaviour has had an extremely significant impact on the victim’s life.
She continues to live in fear and has described these events as destroying her life.
“It is very important to us that victims of stalking get the help and support they need – we don’t want anyone to feel scared, distressed or threatened.
“We take stalking seriously and are committed to ensuring offenders such as Foster-Smith are held accountable for their behaviour.”
