Stalker made hoax 999 call saying former partner had died

A stalker who made a false 999 call saying his former partner had died has been jailed.

David Williams, 48, began persistently messaging, texting and calling the victim, as well as loitering outside her house in Peterborough, from 12 August last year.

They had been in a relationship which ended in June last year and the victim told officers Williams’ behaviour was frightening her and she felt like a prisoner in her own home.

Pictured: David Williams, 48. 

Williams was arrested following the report and given bail conditions not to contact the victim or go near her house.

However, officers were called to the victim’s address on 29 August after an argument between Williams and the victim could be heard.

Williams was removed by officers and the victim told them he had turned up at her house with letters and a necklace a few days before.

He had also made a hoax call to 999, saying she had died which led to paramedics attending her house.

Williams was arrested again on 31 August and called the force’s control room in September to say he had breached his bail conditions and texted the victim because she was ill.

He also stalked her when she visited Peterborough City Hospital and made two hoax calls to police asking them to check on her welfare.

On Wednesday (18 February), at Peterborough Crown Court, Williams, of Lincoln Road, was jailed for 12 months having pleaded guilty to stalking and persistently making use of a public communication network to cause annoyance/inconvenience/anxiety.

He was also handed a 10-year restraining order from contacting the victim.

DC Tisha Morris, who investigated, said: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the prolonged distress caused by Williams’ actions.

“Stalking has a profound impact on victims, often leaving them feeling unsafe in their own daily lives.

“The victim showed great courage in reporting Williams to the police and I hope the sentence provides her with reassurance and makes clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.” 

You can read more about stalking and harassment over on the force website.