STALKER JAILED FOR TWO YEARS FOR STALKING
A woman who was stalked by her former boyfriend was so distressed that she contemplated ending her life, a court was informed.Michael Kieser, aged 37, from Manley Road in Bursledon, subjected his victim to persistent calls and gift-giving in the period leading up to last Christmas after she rejected the idea that their relationship was over.
At one stage, the woman believed that suicide might be the only way to escape her torment, Southampton Crown Court heard.
Kieser was sentenced to two years in prison after being previously convicted of stalking, following a court trial.
Prosecutor Edward Elton stated that the woman received a continuous barrage of unwanted messages following the breakup.
He recounted incidents from late last year when Kieser repeatedly visited the victim’s home and workplace.
On one occasion, she was described as feeling “petrified” of him, perceiving him as unstable.
“She believed that her only escape was to take her own life,” Mr.
Elton explained.
Defence lawyer Keely Harvey argued that Kieser was at the victim’s house with her consent.
"She sent mixed messages to a man who was struggling to come to terms with the fact she didn't want the relationship," Ms Harvey stated.
Judge Nicholas Rowland described Kieser’s conduct as “obsessive,” highlighting his relentless calls and gift giving over a span of three weeks.
He suggested that Kieser may have misinterpreted her efforts to prevent his advances.
In addition to the two-year prison sentence, Kieser was given a three-year restraining order.
He was also convicted of two drink-driving offenses and two counts of driving without a license, all of which he admitted.
According to Mr.
Elton, Kieser was seen on November 20 last year staggering along Bevois Valley Road in Southampton after leaving a pub.
The police responded and found him over twice the legal alcohol limit, with a separate incident revealing him at twice the limit.
He received three months in jail for each DUI offence, with sentences served concurrently.
He was also prohibited from driving for five years.
