WOMAN WHO STALKED EX WITH FALSE PREGNANCY CLAIMS AVOIDS JAIL
A woman named Stephanie Mahoney, 32 years old, was involved in a harassment and stalking campaign targeting her ex-partner and his family following their breakup between July 2020 and July 2021.She invented stories about being pregnant, posted false images of aborted fetuses on social media, and falsely accused her former partner of coercing her into an abortion.
Mahoney set up multiple fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram, through which she sent distressing messages, posted her ex’s home address, and made damaging allegations.
She also attacked his mother by sharing disturbing images and claiming that her grandchild was in danger, including spreading false reports that their newborn baby was being targeted for harm by her ex's relatives.
Despite a court order issued in December 2022 that banned her from making further contact or using multiple profiles, she persisted in her harassment using several accounts.
Her troubling conduct caused significant emotional distress, leading to police involvement.
She was sentenced to 18 months in jail, with the sentence suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation, 160 hours of unpaid work, and to pay fines.
The court took into account her remorse and her mental health issues, such as depression and distress stemming from her pregnancy loss, which played a role in her actions.
