ROBERT BIDDLE'S OBSESSIVE STALKING SPREE IN CASTLEFORD ENDS IN JAIL

In April 2021, a disturbing case of obsessive stalking unfolded in Castleford, where Robert Biddle, aged 49, was convicted and sentenced to prison for his relentless harassment of a woman over a period of two years. The victim, whose identity remains protected, endured a campaign of intimidation and intrusion that severely impacted her daily life and mental well-being.

According to court reports, the troubling events began after the woman and Biddle first crossed paths in 2009. However, it was not until 2018 that their interactions resumed, when she returned to her home in Castleford and unexpectedly found Biddle sitting at her kitchen table, calmly making himself a cup of tea. This startling encounter prompted immediate police intervention, and officers promptly removed Biddle from her residence. Despite this, his obsession did not cease, and he continued to intrude into her life with alarming regularity.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Biddle would frequently appear at her house in West Yorkshire, sometimes up to four times a week, claiming to bring her gifts. His persistence extended to entering her home if the door was left unlocked, and if not, he would resort to banging on the door, often waking her daughter and causing significant distress. The court was informed that on September 4 of the previous year, Biddle took his obsession a step further by pitching a tent in her garden and spending the entire night there, an act that finally prompted her to report him to the police.

During the court proceedings, Biddle denied the allegations of stalking, but the evidence presented painted a different picture. Prosecutor Robert Stevenson detailed the profound impact of Biddle’s actions on the victim’s mental health. She was described as feeling extremely stressed and anxious, to the extent that she was afraid to even get out of bed on some days. Her sleep was severely disturbed, plagued by nightmares and screams, and she was deeply worried about her daughter’s safety.

Furthermore, the victim recounted an incident where Biddle attempted to hug her, forcing her to punch him in self-defense. She decided to report his behavior to the authorities after enduring what she described as far too much of his intrusive and obsessive conduct. The court was told that Biddle’s words to her included declarations of love and desires to be her partner, which only heightened her fear and discomfort.

In his defense, Biddle claimed he had never used or threatened violence towards the woman. However, Judge Neil Clark emphasized the severity of his actions, stating, “Your behaviour became so intrusive that she was afraid to get out of bed. That she was so afraid is understandable, given you were so obsessive.” The judge further remarked that Biddle’s persistent and invasive conduct warranted a custodial sentence, which was ultimately set at 30 months in prison, reflecting the court’s recognition of the serious harm caused to the victim and her family in Castleford.