Huntingdon: Online Stalker Jailed

21 June 2013, 11:59 | Updated: 21 June 2013, 12:12

A man, who created fake personas on social media to stalk a woman, has been jailed.

Jamie Hewett, 27, created an elaborate network of fictitious characters, on social media, including on Facebook, then used them to befriend the woman after she rejected him last year.

Shortly after she had turned him down the victim was contacted by 'Dave May' and his friends 'Gary Wright' and 'Timmy' - all of whom were actually Hewett.

Over time a virtual friendship was developed between the victim and the three 'men'.

During the text and emailed conversations the victim was told 'May' had been jailed for an assault.

'May' then threatened to distribute images of the victim online unless she met Hewett and two of the men for sex.

The victim realised Hewett might have created the characters and told a friend who called police.

When Hewett arrived to meet the victim at an address in Huntingdon he was arrested.

Hewett, of Cotton Court, Huntingdon,pleaded guilty to stalking and was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison at Huntingdon Magistrates' Court yesterday (Thursday).

He was also given a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim and her children.

Detective Constable Andy Macdonald said: "Hewett dreamt up these personas in order to manipulate his vulnerable victim into agreeing to meet up with him.

"He orchestrated a situation where the victim was pressured into seeing him again, but thankfully she realised what he was up to and alerted police.

"We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and will prosecute anyone who stalks, harasses or intimidates others.

"This case also shows how important it is to be careful when using social media."