STALKER ANDREW FITZGERALD SENTENCED FOR HARASSMENT AND TERRORIZING WOMAN

A stalker identified as Andrew Fitzgerald sent disturbing letters and notes to a woman, including an anonymous note that said: “Hello beautiful [red hair with a grey car]. I hope you’re keeping well. I love you so very, very much.” The woman, who cannot be identified legally, was deeply unnerved by his actions and reported the letter to the police.Weeks later, she discovered a note on her car that read: “I hope you f***ing die.” Close to Christmas, she received a Christmas card from ‘John and Jean,’ despite not knowing anyone by those names. Two days later, she found an envelope with the word ‘Ginger’ on it, stuck to her windscreen. In response, she installed a camera outside her house and captured Fitzgerald repeatedly approaching her car early in the morning and leaving various items, including drawing pins under her car, which his court case confirmed.Fitzgerald, 45, was arrested and initially denied the offences. However, he was convicted of stalking after a trial and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. The woman shared that the ordeal had significantly impacted her mental health, causing a relapse in her bipolar disorder. She was also working as a doctor and studying for a Master’s degree at the time.In court, her advocate Kay Driver highlighted that Fitzgerald remains in denial and described him as a socially isolated individual suffering from anxiety and depression, while also noting his previous convictions for stalking against an ex-partner.Judge Suzanne Goddard KC sentenced Fitzgerald to two years and six months in prison and issued a restraining order, banning him from contacting the woman. She emphasized the harm caused by his behaviour, stating, “It’s clear the culmination of your activities caused her very significant harm indeed. She temporarily moved herself away from her address because of you.”