Man jailed after making girlfriend’s life “a living hell”

A stalker who told his former girlfriend he was “gunning for her” has been jailed.

Nigel James, 62, verbally abused the victim and made constant jibes about her weight and clothes, resulting in the end of their two-year relationship in November last year.

After moving out of their home in Harston, near Cambridge, James began bombarding the victim with vile messages and emails, telling her he was “gunning for her” and would “ruin her life”.

He wrote she wasn’t safe and chillingly warned, “I have got enough weapons and tools to deal with you,” adding that she was “gonna feel pain”.

In February this year, James sent multiple voice messages to the victim, stating “if she wanted war, she could have war,” along with other insults.

The threats left the victim feeling constantly on edge, particularly when leaving work at night. She would call friends or family members for reassurance on her way home, fearing James might harm her.

The harassment continued into March, with James threatening to “bury her”.

In May, the victim contacted police and disclosed the abuse, describing how James had made her life “a living hell”.

James was arrested and initially denied the allegations in police interview - until officers played the voice notes back to him.

On Monday, 22 December, at Peterborough Crown Court, James, of St Marys Square, Newmarket, Suffolk, was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to stalking involving fear of violence at a hearing last month.

He was also handed a restraining order.

Detective Constable William Kerslake, who led the investigation, said: “This case shows the devastating impact stalking and harassment can have on victims.

“We encourage anyone experiencing similar behaviour to come forward. We take these crimes extremely seriously and will do everything we can to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.”

For more advice and support visit our dedicated advice pages about stalking and harassment.