STALKER SUBJECTED WOMAN TO CAMPAIGN OF FEAR
A man from Kingswood who admitted to persistently stalking a woman has avoided immediate imprisonment.Jacob Manfield, aged 27 and residing on Downend Road, pleaded guilty to a sustained campaign of stalking that left the victim fearing violence, spanning from April 27 to August 11 of the previous year.
At Bristol Crown Court, it was detailed that Manfield repeatedly harassed the woman through phone calls, visited her home despite being legally prohibited from doing so, and appeared at her workplace.
The judge observed that Manfield’s actions were intended to cause distress, instill fear, and exert control over the woman.
Both parties recognized the deliberate nature of his conduct, which significantly affected her mental well-being.
It was revealed that Manfield, who has a personality disorder, has previous convictions for harassment in 2013 and 2015.
He had not completed a Building Better Relationships programme.
Initially, the court considered imposing a community mental health order, but this was not possible due to difficulties arranging NHS assessments.
The judge highlighted systemic issues within health services that impeded this process.
Speaking directly to Manfield, the judge mentioned that systemic problems hindered treatment options and referenced the widespread nature of such mental health issues.
Manfield, who was honest with his probation officer, was sentenced to a two-year prison term, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to follow a six-month curfew from 7pm to 5am, monitored electronically.
Furthermore, he must undertake 40 days of rehabilitation activities and was given a five-year restraining order against the victim.
GPS monitoring will be in place for two years.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on January 3 and April 1 next year for progress reviews.
The judge warned that any future offences could lead to reconsideration of his case for more severe measures.
