'Obsessive' stalker fitted tracker to ex-girlfriend's car in terrifying ordeal

Keith Martin, 41, tracked the woman using a mobile phone app, while bombarding her with text messages, emails and visits to her home.

He also turned up at the door of her new boyfriend’s house.

His terrified victim then contacted Northumbria Police – and officers later discovered a black box fitted to the underside of her car with magnets.

The device was linked to an app found on Martin’s phone, which showed the exact location of the victim’s vehicle.

Martin, of Bede Burn Road, Jarrow, pleaded guilty on Thursday, January 23 to stalking causing serious alarm and distress and is now due to be sentenced on Monday, March 23.

PC Wendy Gribben, of Northumbria Police, pledged the force’s commitment to bringing “predatory and sinister” people like him to justice.

She said: “Martin is an obsessive stalker who terrified his victim over a prolonged period of time.

“His actions were sinister, calculated and intimidating as he struggled to accept the end of their relationship, and he went to great lengths to ensure his victim could not move on with her life.

“Martin would inundate his frightened ex-partner with text messages and emails before leaving flowers at her doorstep asking for another chance. His obsessive behaviour caused a great deal of upset and fear.

“This has been an incredibly distressing series of events for the victim, and I would like to praise her for the incredible bravery that she has shown throughout this investigation.

“I sincerely hope Martin’s conviction gives her some kind of closure and allows her to start the next chapter of her life, free of harassment and fear.”

Martin has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing.

In a statement, the victim admitted she felt “sick” when officers showed her how Martin had tracked her movements after the relationship ended.

She said. “Keith has manipulated me and got into my head.

“I am terrified he will do something to my family and carry out a terrible attack on me. He knows everything about me – I am so frightened.”