Aggrieved boyfriend created fake social media profiles to stalk ex after dumping
Robert Forshaw, who has previous convictions for harassment, used the accounts to spread lies about the innocent victim.
But the 42-year-old was put behind bars this afternoon, Thursday, after being sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for stalking involving serious alarm or distress.
The court heard that the victim ended her relationship with Forshaw after five weeks when she observed controlling behaviours from him.
Soon after, in December 2023, the defendant embarked on a campaign to discredit the victim, making numerous calls to her from withheld numbers and sending her abusive emails.
Forshaw also contacted her place of work in Warrington, pretending to be the spouse of one of her clients and accusing her of inappropriate behaviour towards the client.
Along with this, he created a network of fake social media accounts and used these to publish content that further targeted the victim.
Forshaw went as far as to send messages between each of the accounts he had created, discussing her and making false allegations about her.
The defendant then screenshotted these and emailed them to the victim, from Widnes.
In late January 2024, a friend of the victim shared images on social media of them and the victim attending a sporting event.
The court was told that Forshaw also attended this event, and he later used one of the fake accounts he had created to comment on the post, saying: 'I'm only 50 yards away from you.'
Robert Forshaw was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court
After these incidents were reported to Cheshire Police, an investigation was launched in which Forshaw was a person of interest.
He concealed his devices, but officers were able to recover them and piece together his digital footprint, attributing numerous fake social media accounts and email addresses to him.
Even with the overwhelming amount of evidence facing him, Forshaw continued to deny any responsibility with his not guilty plea.
A trial was set for July this year, but he changed his plea to guilty on the first day of the trial.
During his sentencing hearing, it was said that his behaviour was 'persistent and over a prolonged period, and to maximise distress'
He has a 'significant' criminal record, the court heard, including a breach of a non-molestation order and two counts of harassment.
Before sentencing, judge Brian Cummings said: 'You have not shown any meaningful remorse. Remorse is being sorry for what you have done.
'You denied the offence in interview, you pleaded not guilty and took it to the wire, pleading guilty on the day of your trial after the victim and witnesses attended.'
Forshaw, of Folly Lane in Bewsey, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, to be served immediately.
He was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim, posting about her online, or entering named streets in Warrington and Widnes.
The sentence was welcomed by investigating officer PC Charl Ashmore, of Cheshire Police's harm reduction unit.
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She said: 'Forshaw is a serial domestic abuse perpetrator, and this conviction clearly demonstrates that he is either incapable or unwilling to accept his victim's decision to end their relationship with him.
'Forshaw clearly hoped that by hiding behind a screen, he could punish the victim for calling out his behaviours and ending their relationship without repercussions.
'However, he, like many stalkers, failed to account for his digital footprint, which led investigating officers straight to him.
'This again proves that the internet offers no sanctuary to those who wish to commit violence against women and girls and domestic abuse.
'His behaviour and offending have understandably left his victim physically shaken and emotionally distressed.
'That said, the strength she has shown throughout this investigation, right up to the moment Forshaw changed his plea, is truly commendable.
'Thanks to her bravery in taking the step to contact the police, Forshaw has been held accountable for his actions and is facing a spell behind bars.'
DCI Danielle Knox added: 'I am pleased to see the sentence which has been given here, showing that the police and the wider criminal justice system take stalking seriously.
'We will always listen to victims and put perpetrators before the courts.
'Forshaw was determined to cause serious distress to the victim in this case, and I am pleased that he pleaded guilty and was able to answer for what he did.
'For any victims who are in a similar situation and may be unsure of whether to call the police about what is happening, my plea is to please call us – we will listen to you, and we will take what you tell us very seriously.'
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