A creepy Barnsley man has been jailed for stalking a woman he met on a dating app a decade ago. Craig Lawrence, 46, relentlessly harassed his victim over years, showing up uninvited and making lewd demands.
Stalker Turns Up Uninvited Again and Again
Sheffield Crown Court heard how Lawrence first met the woman through a dating app and saw her just four times in two weeks. But then the nightmare began. He started turning up unexpectedly at supermarkets and takeaways where she was shopping or eating.
On one chilling occasion, Lawrence arrived at a takeaway and sent her texts offering money for sex. This caused the victim to flee the scene in fear.
Terrifying Bedroom Visit and Sticky Note Threats
Things escalated horrifically when, on 17 June this year, the victim woke up to find Lawrence standing in her bedroom doorway with a light shining in. He told her he loved her and asked for sex again.
He repeated this terrifying intrusion twice more. The victim didn’t even realise he knew her address, as she had moved twice after he found her home. Lawrence also stuck notes on her window begging for sex and leaving his phone number.
Leering from Traffic Lights and Police Praise
Lawrence even shouted suggestive comments at her while stopped at traffic lights as she crossed the road. Police officer Abbey Blanchard, who led the investigation, called his behaviour “beyond unacceptable.”
“He subjected his victim to a sustained campaign of harassment and distress,” she said. “I’m pleased he now has time inside to reflect on what he did. I also want to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward.”
Jail Time for Ten-Year Stalker
Lawrence was arrested on 21 June 2021 and charged with stalking in October. He admitted the offence in court and was sentenced on 22 December.
Justice has finally caught up with this relentless stalker, ending a decade of torment for his victim.
