GARDENER SENTENCED FOR STALKING TWO WOMEN IN SIBLE HEDINGHAM
A gardener who took photos of two women and waited outside their homes and places of work has been sentenced to unpaid work.Wayne Skeggs, 58, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after admitting two counts of stalking.
The court heard a woman from Halstead contacted police after seeing Skeggs follow her around, including at her home address and place of work, or when she was walking her dog.
Elisabeth Connor, prosecuting, said the victim had seen Skeggs parked outside her house or sitting at a bus stop opposite her house on multiple occasions.
She also observed him taking pictures at the Co-op in Sible Hedingham.
When approached, Skeggs stated, “I follow you because I find you attractive”.
Police seized his phone, revealing a second stalking victim.
Victims described feeling anxious and constantly worried, whether outdoors or at home.
Skeggs’s solicitor stated he was unaware his actions were criminal, believing he was doing nothing wrong initially.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation and 180 hours of unpaid work.
He is prohibited from taking pictures of women without their consent for 12 months, and must pay a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs of £85.
Two restraining orders prevent contact with the victims and visits to their addresses and a Lidl supermarket in Halstead.
