Dozens Of Stalking Protection Orders Issued In Sussex

In the first year of a new law allowing courts to restrict the behaviour of people accused of stalking, Sussex Police have obtained 29 orders to help protect victims.

The county's police service said it was the first in the country to seek, and receive, Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) from magistrates.

Officers added that a further seven applications are awaiting court hearings.

Detective Inspector Mick Richards of the force's Public Protection Command, said: 

"These Orders, which we seek from Magistrates, have been an important development in helping us to better protect stalking victims or anyone connected with them.

"For example, subjects can be prohibited from contacting, by any means, directly or indirectly, the named person on the Order.

"This includes but is not limited to contact in person, calls, letters, emails, messages and social media.

"They can also be prohibited from publishing any material, or making reference to any material already published, which references, refers or relates to the victim either directly or indirectly.

"They can also be prohibited from entering an agreed exclusion zone, be that an area within the town or county.

"This would include where the victim works, or usual routes taken for example when walking children to school."

The requirements can go even deeper, D.I. Richards said.

"They include allowing officers access to the home address for the purposes of conducting risk assessments, having to re-register their home address every year or, if of no fixed address, having to attend a police station every week.

"Conditions can also include installing monitoring software, giving us the ability to check devices, to help make us aware of emerging new relationships that present risk."

"All applications and all the proposed conditions are accompanied by strong evidence submitted to the courts as to why we feel they are necessary to protect the victims."

Sussex Police also pointed out that an order from a court is not an alternative to prosecution for stalking offences falling under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Rather, the service said, an SPO can be used to strengthen prosecutions as well as safeguarding victims.

Breaching the SPO in any way is itself a criminal offence punishable by magistrates by a custodial sentence of up to 12 months, or a fine or both.

Should the offence go to Crown Court, penalties can increase to five years' imprisonment, or a fine, or both.

D.I. Richards added: 

"In Sussex we are already recording the second highest number of stalking reports anywhere in the UK outside London, and are now advising and supporting more victims than ever.

"We encourage victims to come forward with the knowledge that our officers and staff are better trained and that they take all reports seriously.

"There is clearly an increased awareness and identification in society generally of stalking behaviour and that too helps us to provide early intervention and provide safeguarding to those in need.

Officers and staff complete online mandatory stalking and harassment training so they can provide the right response and keep people safe and further specialised training is being delivered."

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

"I’m pleased that Sussex Police are continuing to lead the way in the number of Stalking Protection Orders issued.

“We know that Stalking is an insidious crime that destroys lives and I hope these significant advances in earlier protection will give even more victims the confidence to come forward and report to the police.

“We are also soon to launch the county’s first Stalking Perpetrator Programme, meaning those who are issued an SPO will also receive vital specialist interventions to address and break the cycle of their fixated behaviours.”

In an official statement, Sussex Police appealed to all stalking and harassment victims to report the crimes being carried out against them.

Reports are welcomed on-line, or by calling 101, or by personal visit to a police station.

Officers also appealed for victims to call 999 if there is an immediate danger.

In Sussex, Veritas Justice provides advocacy and support for victims of stalking.

The National Stalking Helpline provides advice and guidance to current or previous victims of stalking or harassment.

The helpline can be contacted on 0808 802 0300.

Further local information and advice is also available at the specialist advisory site SafeSpaceSussex and on the Sussex Police website.