Duncan Friend stalked and terrorised woman with knife threats over weeks
Gift-giving turns sinister
Duncan Friend met his victim in December 2022 and started off by buying her gifts – a bag, shoes, and scarf. But things quickly got ugly.
By late January 2023, the woman was bombarded with constant messages from Friend, demanding she return the presents. The flood of texts left her alarmed and anxious.
Obsession escalates to threats and stalking
Friend didn’t know where she lived but relentlessly tried to track down her address. He harassed her with repeated calls from multiple withheld numbers.
His intimidation turned violent, with threats shouted through a 123 address service. Witnesses heard him threaten to throw acid in her face and kill her.
Police step in
Friend, 51, from Woodstock Road, Sittingbourne, was arrested and later bailed under strict conditions as investigators built their case.
Despite this, the threats continued. On 19 March, the North Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team (VIT) swooped again, leading to another arrest.
Charges and police statement
Friend is now charged with stalking causing serious alarm or distress from 3 February to 19 March 2023, plus another count of harassment.
“Duncan Friend subjected his victim to relentless harassment and intimidation, deeply affecting her daily life,” said Investigator Holly Felstead.
“His actions caused huge distress to her and those close to her. We applaud her courage in coming forward to help us bring him to justice.
If you’re being harassed or abused, please tell the police. Your safety is our priority.”
