Latest news with #WayneStead
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Stalker put AirTag in victim's car to track her
A man who stalked a woman and put a tracking device on her car to follow her movements has been jailed. Northampton Crown Court heard Wayne Stead, 48, of Stimpson Avenue in the town, started harassing her, making threats and turning up unannounced at her home after their relationship broke down in 2023. He was jailed for two and a half years and handed an indefinite restraining order after pleading guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress. PC Rich Horsburgh from Northamptonshire Police said: "The ordeal that Wayne Stead subjected this woman to was nothing short of horrific." "Her bravery in coming forward, despite her very real fear that he would make good on his threats to harm her, is remarkable," he added. The court heard Stead started calling and messaging the woman at all hours of the day and night after their relationship broke down. He placed an Apple AirTag, which are designed to help people find missing items, in her car. Concerns have previously been raised about the devices being used by stalkers. The woman reported Stead to the police in August 2024, telling them she had moved into a hotel and was in fear of her life. He denied the offences but, before his trial took place, he changed his plea to guilty and was charged with 30 months' imprisonment on 28 April at Northampton Crown Court. He was also given an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman or going near her home. A charge of burglary against him was dropped after prosecutors offered no evidence. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Abuse survivor calls police changes 'bittersweet' Domestic abuse campaign launched for Christmas Apple AirTags - 'A perfect tool for stalking' HM Courts and Tribunals Service
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Northampton stalker put AirTag in victim's car to track her
A man who stalked a woman and put a tracking device on her car to follow her movements has been Crown Court heard Wayne Stead, 48, of Stimpson Avenue in the town, started harassing her, making threats and turning up unannounced at her home after their relationship broke down in was jailed for two and a half years and handed an indefinite restraining order after pleading guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or Rich Horsburgh from Northamptonshire Police said: "The ordeal that Wayne Stead subjected this woman to was nothing short of horrific." "Her bravery in coming forward, despite her very real fear that he would make good on his threats to harm her, is remarkable," he added. The court heard Stead started calling and messaging the woman at all hours of the day and night after their relationship broke placed an Apple AirTag, which are designed to help people find missing items, in her have previously been raised about the devices being used by woman reported Stead to the police in August 2024, telling them she had moved into a hotel and was in fear of her denied the offences but, before his trial took place, he changed his plea to guilty and was charged with 30 months' imprisonment on 28 April at Northampton Crown was also given an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman or going near her home.A charge of burglary against him was dropped after prosecutors offered no evidence. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
ITV News
3 days ago
- General
- ITV News
Stalker jailed after tracking his victim in Rushden by putting an Airtag in her car
A man who stalked a woman by putting an AirTag in her car to track her movements has been jailed for 30 months. When Wayne Stead's relationship with the woman broke down, he began to call and message her at all hours, turn up unannounced at her home and made threats to harm her in Rushden. When she came forward to Northamptonshire Police in August 2024, she told officers she had moved into a hotel and was in fear for her life. Stead, 48, was charged with stalking involving serious alarm/distress but ahead of a planned trial, Stead changed his plea to guilty at Northampton Crown Court in April. He's since been jailed for 30 months. SPC Rich Horsburgh said: 'The ordeal that Wayne Stead subjected this woman to was nothing short of horrific. 'Her bravery in coming forward, despite her very real fear that he would make good on his threats to harm her, is remarkable and she should be very proud that her courage has resulted in Stead admitting his guilt and receiving a custodial sentence. 'No-one should have to change the way they live, or live in fear, because of the unacceptable behaviour of someone who claims to love them. "Stead's behaviour was not love, and I hope he continues to take responsibility for his actions and change for the better." Stead was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman in any way or going to the area around her home.
