Stalking, Cyber Stalking and Harassment

Accusations of stalking, cyberstalking and harassment constitute a broad range of behaviours. Those who are guilty of these offences may take a number of approaches, from ongoing unwanted face to face contact to sending unsolicited communications to repeated surveillance. Harassment also usually involves the intimidation of a victim, threats or insulting comments or gestures. 

Our sexual harassment solicitors can defend you and work to clear your name. We will be able to build a particularly strong stalking and harassment defence if you are able to retain a good amount of high-quality evidence – such as text messages and emails, video and audio recordings and, where relevant, proof that certain communications did not take place, were fabricated or were misconstrued. 

If you have been falsely accused of stalking or harassment, you may be facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, which can be extended to 14 if the alleged offence was found to be racially or religiously motivated.

The overall charge of stalking can be broken down into the following specific accusations:

• Offence of stalking
• Stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress
• Verbal abuse or threats
• Threatening behaviour
• Malicious damage to personal property
• Offence of cyberstalking
• Online harassment or harassment in chat rooms
• Online solicitation
• Offence of harassment
• Racially aggravated harassment
• Domestic abuse
• Harassment at work

What constitutes harassment?

“Harassment” means engaging in unwanted conduct with the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an interrogating, degrading, hostile, offensive or humiliating environment for the individual in question.

How long does a harassment order last?

The court may or may not specify a time period for a harassment order. If they don’t, it should last for a year. However, the court reserves the right to hand down an order of any length they feel is warranted, and extend it if necessary.

What constitutes stalking?

“Stalking” is defined as engagement in a course of conduct directed at a specific individual, causing them to fear for their safety and/or suffer substantial emotional distress.

What is cyberstalking?

“Cyberstalking” involves unwanted online communications to the same end as “regular” stalking, and can take place on its own or as an extension of other forms of stalking. It has only comparatively recently been considered a crime due to its reliance on the internet.

When you choose DPP Law for legal assistance and representation, you will be assured:

• Guaranteed confidentiality at all times
• A comprehensive check of forensics and evidence records
• Sensitive expert advice – first consultation FREE

For the strongest possible defence against a stalking charge, DPP Law sexual offence solicitors can help. Get in touch with us today for specialist representation.