South Shields stalker jailed after being caught by police in woman's bedroom

Ryan Whittington, who has previous convictions including violence and harassment against three other women, had bombarded the victim with abusive and threatening Whatsapp messages.

On the same day, the 31-year-old had questioned her boss about the nature of his relationship with her, threatened to burn down her workplace and then let himself into her home.

Prosecutor Jessica Slaughter told Newcastle Crown Court when police arrived at the victim's home to speak to her about him, Whittington was already inside.

Miss Slaughter said: "When they arrived, the front door was open.

"The police entered, shouting 'police'.

"They heard a male voice from the front bedroom. It was the defendant, he had let himself into the address.

"Officers described his behaviour as erratic, he was under the influence.

"When the defendant was arrested he made a statement, saying 'You've done me a favour here, you need to take me away from here because I'm really going to hurt her one day'."

The court heard the victim was "scared and distressed" and although she didn't believe he would cause damage or harm anyone else, she told police felt frightened he would "hurt her".

Whittington, of Julian Avenue, South Shields, admitted stalking causing fear of violence.

Judge Penny Moreland said it was "fortunate" the police had arrived at the house before the victim that day and added: "You told the police officer he should keep you away from her because you intended to do her some serious harm."

The judge said the victim is the fourth woman who has been the victim of Whittington's criminal behaviour and his offences include violence and harassment.

Judge Moreland sentenced Whittington to ten months behind bars with a five-year restraining order.

Penny Hall, defending, said Whittington previously worked as an industrial cleaner and is keen to get back into employment when he is released.

Miss Hall said Whittington has "sobered up" in prison and is completely clean from drink and drugs, which has allowed him to "see things with a clear head" for the first time since he was a teenager.

The court heard Whittington has obtained a cleaning job while on remand in prison, where life if more difficult than it would be normally due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

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