Stalking law warning ahead of awareness day

A senior prosecutor has warned more powers are in place to protect victims of stalking following the introduction of changes to the law.

Speaking ahead of National Stalking Awareness Day on Thursday, April 18, Baljit Ubhey, chief crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said she wanted the 'jealous ex-boyfriend or the obsessed work colleague' to be aware of the consequences of stalking following the introduction of amendments to harassment laws.

Stalking, which carries a maximum sentence of six months' imprisonment, and stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress, which can see jail terms of up to five years, were introduced as new offences in November.

Examples of stalking listed under the legislation include following a person or constant attempts to contact them, while the more serious offence includes acts which have a substantial impact on the day-to-day life of the victim, such as making them change their route to work or put in additional security measures at home.

The use of social media and email to contact or monitor a person is also addressed.

There have so far been two charges relating to the new offences in Berkshire.