ST ALBANS MAN JAILED FOR STALKING AND ARSON
Michael Miller, aged 38 and residing on Cottonmill Lane in St Albans, was sentenced to prison following a series of threatening and harmful behaviors directed at his former partner.Despite being under a Stalking Protection Order from a previous relationship, Miller’s obsession grew after the relationship ended in July 2024.
His actions included persistent stalking, sending numerous messages to the victim, frequent visits to her workplace, leaving notes on her vehicle over several days, and falsely reporting her to police for drug-related offences.
The situation reached a crisis point on September 29 when Miller poured petrol and set fire to her car outside her home, accompanied by a threatening message stating, ‘the car was just the start.’ During his arrest, authorities discovered a mobile phone in his possession which he refused to surrender for inspection, contrary to the conditions of his existing Stalking Protection Order.
He received a sentence of 27 months in prison for causing serious distress through stalking, 45 months for arson, and an additional nine months for violating the stalking order, to be served concurrently.
A 10-year restraining order was also imposed.
Det Con Chloe Palmer from the Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit described Miller as a dangerous offender, emphasizing that he continued his harassment and violence despite the existing order.
She also noted the significant psychological toll on the victim, saying, “The victim is relieved he has been imprisoned, but his actions have left her frightened, insecure, and constantly worried.
She has mentioned that the mental scars will affect her for many years.”
