STALKER JAILED AFTER THREATENING WOMAN WITH ACID
A man who stalked a woman, threatened to throw acid in her face, and brandished a weapon has been sentenced to prison.Duncan Friend, who resides in Sittingbourne, subjected his victim to persistent harassment and threats of violence, according to Kent Police.
On Tuesday, he admitted to the charges at Maidstone Crown Court and received a prison term of two years and three months.
Additionally, a seven-year restraining order will be in effect once he is released from custody.
Friend first became acquainted with the woman in December 2022 and showed his interest by giving her gifts such as a bag, shoes, and a scarf over the following weeks.
By late January 2023, the woman had grown worried due to the constant messages she was receiving, which included demands for her to return the gifts.
Unaware of her residence, Friend’s actions escalated as he tried to discover her address, resorting to repeatedly calling her on multiple numbers, many of which were blocked or withheld.
In February, police received a 999 call reporting that Friend had gone to a friend’s house of the victim in Chatham.
During this incident, he was observed drawing a weapon that looked like a machete from his trousers and waving it around while demanding her address.
He also shouted threats indicating he would spray acid in her face and kill her.
He was arrested that same day but was released on bail as authorities continued their investigation.
In March, Friend was detained again after he persisted in sending threatening messages to the victim and others.
The 51-year-old, of Woodstock Road, faced charges of stalking causing serious alarm or distress and possessing a knife in a public place.
Investigator Holly Felstead remarked that Friend’s relentless harassment caused significant suffering, disturbance, and fear not just for the victim but also for her friends and family.
