An online stalker was given a suspended prison sentence by Bath magistrates last week.
The court heard that James Watson from Radstock had been in an online relationship with a married woman in America. She ended it however after he became controlling and obsessive.
She blocked him on social media, but he created new fake accounts to contact her and targeted her family and friends. He tarnished her reputation and disrupted her life, the court heard.
The woman contacted the police in the UK and Watson was given a warning about his behaviour, but he continued and was subsequently charged with stalking, knowing it amounted to harassment.
At a court appearance in December, Watson admitted the charge which related to the period between 25th November 2024 and 18th May 2025. Magistrates had ordered a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service and Watson, of Morley Terrace, was back in court for sentencing last Wednesday, 18th February.
The 51-year-old said he was “embarrassed” about what had happened and acknowledged he needed help. He apologised and said it would never happen again.
Magistrates imposed a 12-week prison sentence, which they suspended for 24 months. They also ordered him to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85 and a court surcharge of £154.
