Devious stalker behind Spotted Portsmouth drama freed halfway through sentence
A “devious” stalker who tormented a woman for seven months on Spotted Portsmouth has been released from prison, we can reveal.
Paul Nelson, 47, formerly of Western Parade, Southsea, served just half of a 21-month jail term handed down at Portsmouth Crown Court. Sources say he was freed around three weeks ago.
High-risk offender denied early tag
Nelson reportedly tried to get a home detention tag but was turned down because he was deemed too high-risk. Despite showing no remorse for his victim, he’s now out on licence and under probation supervision. One slip-up and he’ll be back behind bars.
Victim forced to flee Portsmouth after relentless stalking
The nasty campaign included hacking the woman’s email and stalking her as she gave blood at the Mountbatten Centre in Stamshaw. Nelson’s harassment drove his victim out of Portsmouth entirely.
A lifetime restraining order bans Nelson from contacting her or entering key Southsea areas—including Palmerston Road and parts of Clarendon Road. Breach those rules, and he faces new charges and arrest.
History of harassment and disturbing online revenge
This isn’t Nelson’s first brush with the law for stalking. In 2014, a harassment conviction cost him his 22-year job at the Wedgewood Rooms on Albert Road. At one point, he even posted a photo of a man’s genitals on Spotted Portsmouth in “revenge” over a barmaid dispute.
His defence has cited anxiety, depression, and family tragedies including his father’s death in 2013 and his mother’s dementia.
Nelson was released to a resettlement hostel, but it’s unclear if he remains in the Portsmouth area.
