SELF-OBSESSED STALKER OLIVER DAVIES JAILED FOR CAUSING TERROR OVER FOUR YEARS
A man described as 'self-absorbed' and who 'would not accept no for an answer' caused significant fear in a woman through persistent stalking, behavior likened to a horror story by the court.Oliver Davies, aged 36, approached the victim at her church and even befriended her grandmother to learn her whereabouts after she ended their unlikely friendship and blocked him on social media.
His relentless actions over four years severely undermined her sense of safety.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Davies and the woman first met in a theatre group in 2009.
Their connection, which was never romantic, resumed in 2020 after they had lost contact.
The court was told their relationship became strained in July 2021 when Davies reacted negatively to her having a partner.
Prosecutor Emma Swindell explained that from July 1, 2021, to June 2022, Davies engaged in persistent stalking, which included constant calls during the day and occasional conversations to clarify his desire for no further contact.
The victim moved home and changed her vehicle in response to his behavior.
In 2022, Davies attended a theatre production involving her and attempted to obtain information from her friend.
Despite her repeatedly asking him to stop, he continued stalking her, culminating in his involvement at her church group, where he befriended her grandmother.
The victim told the court she no longer feels safe attending church and that her life has changed drastically; she now uses location tracking on her phone.
She also described obsessive behaviors, such as locking doors repeatedly and difficulty participating in theatre.
Mitigation from Kelly Cyples noted Davies's behavior was sporadic and expressed his remorse, citing difficulty accepting the end of their relationship and his gratitude towards the woman for her support during his dark times.
Davies, from Longton, pleaded guilty to causing serious distress through stalking.
Recorder Robert Smith sentenced him to two years in prison and imposed an indefinite restraining order banning contact with the victim.
Addressing Davies, the judge said his persistent actions over four years, including after moving house, severely disrupted the victim’s life and sense of safety.
The judge highlighted Davies’s self-obsession and arrogance, noting that he failed to recognize the harm he caused, even as the victim pleaded for him to leave her alone.
While acknowledging some remorse, the court emphasized the terror he inflicted, comparing his behavior to a horror story and condemning his attitude.
The sentence aims to reflect the serious nature of his offenses and protect the victim from further distress.
