SWINDON OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR STALKING AND THREATENING
A stalker who tracked a woman's movements, repeatedly tried to contact her and sent her threatening voice messages has been sentenced.Robert Howson, 31, of Abbotsbury Way, St Andrews Ridge, pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place, sending messages threatening serious harm and stalking involving serious harm or distress at an earlier hearing on June 30.
Wiltshire Police issued an appeal for information to locate Howson on April 14, informing the public that he was wanted for "several violent offences" and urging the public to contact them with any information on his whereabouts.
The appeal was re-issued two days later, believing he was in Swindon and urging the public to contact 101.
Howson finally appeared for sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, July 30.
He was caught in possession of a knife in Beverley, Toothill, on March 13.
Between March 31 and April 18, Howson stalked a woman by persistently texting and phoning her, turning up at her address, taking photos and videos of her home, and approaching her friends.
He tracked her movements, monitored her phone, followed her, and made threats, which caused significant alarm and disruption to her daily life.
Also, on April 13, he sent threatening voice notes to a male victim, causing him to fear violence and harm.
He pleaded not guilty to harassment against the male victim and to sending a threatening message relating to April 7; these charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
He also pleaded not guilty to assault by beating, between December 1 and April 7, against the female victim he stalked, and this charge remains on file.
The judge sentenced Howson to 17 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with an electronic tag for six months.
He is also required to complete up to 20 rehabilitation days with the probation service.
A restraining order has been issued, forbidding him from contacting or posting about the victims on any social media platform, protecting both victims from further contact.
