South Tyneside man given restraining order over online stalking claims against woman from the USA

Rhys Mitcheson, 24, of Broad Landing, South Shields, must not contact the woman for the next five years, a UK court has ruled and another in the USA is set to confirm.

Mitcheson agreed to be made subject to a five-year restraining order when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on a stalking charge.

And a court in New York, where the target of his former affections lives, will replicate that by issuing its own parallel order this week.

The US order, known as an Order of Protection, compels him not to contact her at her home or workplace.

And it also forbids him from making any internet contact, including not posting any image or details of her online or following her on any social media platform.

In exchange for agreeing to the order, Mitcheson formally entered a not guilty plea to a charge of stalking involving fear of violence – and the case against him was dismissed.

He was accused of threatened violence against the woman on at least two occasions between October 17 and December 22 last year, and that he knew his conduct would strike fear into her.

It is believed the pair met online and that the allegation refers to the content of emails sent by Mitcheson when she was in the US.

Prosecutor Grace Taylor told the South Tyneside court: “She has indicated that should a restraining order be made here on the same terms as in the US, she would be happy with that.”

David Forrester, defending, told the court: “The civil courts in New York have been seeking a restraining order, or what is an Order of Protection.

“He actually has to go into the court, and he can do that via Microsoft Teams.

“The restraining order here would mirror the order that will be done in the New York court.

“The US court has sent a draft restraining order and if the UK court agrees, the court will enter a not guilty plea and the charge will be dropped and he will get a five-year restraining order.

“Via Microsoft Teams, he will go before a judge in New York and the restraining order will be made in the US.

“The offence is some fairly stupid emails sent a year ago. She has no interest in pursuing the charges.

“The purpose is that he doesn’t speak to her again. It’s to give peace of mind that she can move on, because this man has moved on for some time.”

Dismissing the charge, Deputy District Judge Paul Conlon told the court: “I think this is a sensible way to dispose of this.

“On these terms, you’re to have no contact whatsoever with her for five years.

“The court will formally note your not guilty plea and there is no evidence given by the prosecution. The charge is dismissed by the court.”

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.