Puligadda Sai, 29, from Fore Street, Trowbridge, has been fined after pleading guilty to a section five public order offence for following a teenager in his car for 30 minutes. The incident %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% on September 18, around 6 pm, and resulted in the teenager calling 999 in fear for her safety.
Incident Details
The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% heard that Sai followed the 18-year-old female as she walked home from Trowbridge train station towards Staverton. Sai, who had %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%%, drove slowly behind and alongside her, matching her walking pace and at times holding up traffic. Despite the extended period he %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% her, there was no conversation between them. Feeling %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% frightened and fearing for her safety, the teenager eventually called emergency services.
At Salisbury %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% on October 18, Sai admitted to the offence of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.
Court Decision and Sentencing
Sai was fined £415 for his actions and ordered to pay £50 in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% to his victim. He was also required to pay a £166 victim surcharge and £85 in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% costs.
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% the incident, saying she feared she was going to be kidnapped.
Police Response
Local %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% of the case: “This was an extremely concerning and frightening incident for the victim, who feared for her safety as a result of Sai's actions. The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%% unacceptable.
She added, “Everyone should be able to %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% walking home and should not be subjected to this kind of behaviour, especially in broad daylight. I would like to thank the victim for %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_12%%. I hope that this sends a strong %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_13%% that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable in our communities, and we will act robustly to bring these offenders before the courts to get justice for the victims.
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_14%% similar behaviour to report it immediately, ensuring the safety and protection of all community members.
