Stalker pressurised former partner to drop court action

A stalker who tried to pressure his former partner into dropping court action against him has been jailed.

John Cassidy, 69, contacted the victim through a dating app on 4 March, and asked her to “stop the silly legal crap”, and meet up so they could discuss the case.

Cassidy first began stalking the victim in May 2023 after they had split up and turned up at her house in Huntingdon as well as sending letters and calling family members.

He was arrested for this in November last year and was charged, remanded and released on court bail in December but continued to contact the victim via email and then sent letters and gifts. 

Cassidy was arrested in January and charged, remanded and given court bail again but the victim received a Valentine’s Day card on 13 February and a bunch of red roses.

He then tried to pressurise her into dropping court action and was arrested again. 

On Friday (11 October), at Peterborough Crown Court, Cassidy, of Oak Drive, Outwell, Norfolk, was jailed for 10 months, having pleaded guilty to stalking, harassment and witness intimidation.

DC Lauren Skinner said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim which has had a real impact on her, so this sentence not only means justice has been done but also allows her to hopefully move on with her life.”