SHANE FUDGE FROM SOUTHSEA SENTENCED AFTER STALKING AND RAILWAY CHAOS

Shane Fudge, aged 35 and residing on Norfolk Street in Southsea, faced court proceedings at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday, 29 January, after admitting to serious criminal charges involving stalking and interference with railway operations. His actions have caused significant distress and disruption, highlighting the severity of his offences.

According to court records, Fudge had been engaged in a disturbing campaign of harassment against a woman in her twenties. This included persistent telephone calls, text messages, and messages sent via WhatsApp, in which he issued threats of violence directed at both her and her mother. The court was told that on a single day, Fudge made an astonishing 70 missed calls to the victim, some of which indicated that he was physically outside her residence, heightening her fear and sense of danger.

The situation escalated on Sunday, 13 October, when Fudge unlawfully entered the victim’s home while she was away. During this break-in, he caused extensive damage to the property, ripping light switches from the walls and leaving gouge marks in the walls and cupboards. The damage was severe and indicative of his intent to intimidate and cause harm.

Police responded swiftly to reports of the break-in and, upon arriving at the scene, located Fudge nearby. However, he fled the scene before being apprehended. The authorities tracked him to the railway tracks between Bedhampton and Havant, where he was found attempting to evade capture. Recognizing the potential danger, officers coordinated with National Network Rail to ensure safety. Electricity supplies to the railway line were temporarily shut off for two and a half hours to prevent any risk of electrocution while Fudge remained on the tracks.

This incident caused widespread disruption to train services, with a total of 1,380 minutes of delay across 95 trains operated by five different companies. The financial impact on the railway network was substantial, amounting to approximately £54,701.73 in damages and operational costs.

Adding to the chaos, Fudge climbed a gantry near the tracks and threatened to jump, prompting a response from police negotiators, British Transport Police officers, ambulance crews, and fire services. After tense negotiations, Fudge surrendered himself to the authorities and was taken into custody.

He appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, 28 January, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The following day, he was sentenced to four years in prison and was also issued a restraining order to prevent further contact with the victim. The case underscores the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s commitment to tackling stalking and related offences with seriousness and urgency.

The police encourage anyone affected by stalking or similar behaviour to contact them via the non-emergency number 101 for confidential advice. In emergencies or ongoing crimes, individuals should dial 999. Support services independent of the police are also available to assist victims of stalking, ensuring that help is accessible even if victims are hesitant to approach law enforcement directly.