Portsmouth’s Serial Stalker Paul Nelson Jailed for 21 Months
A notorious Portsmouth serial stalker has finally been locked up for 21 months. Paul Nelson, 43, known locally as “Sinter and Warped,” appeared via video link from Exeter Prison today wearing standard grey prison gear at Portsmouth City Crown Court.
Obsessed Stalker Caught After Years of Harassment
Nelson, from Western Avenue, Southsea, fell at last after years of relentless stalking and hacking a barmaid’s Gmail account. On March 19, he pleaded guilty to stalking, the court heard he also had a previous stalking conviction involving a staff member at the Wedgwood Rooms.
- He threatened to post intimate pictures online.
- Claimed to have groomed a 14-year-old girl and called himself a “sicko.”
- Police intervened and removed the images from social media.
Nelson claimed he took the pictures from an unlocked office Facebook page. The court banned him from Palmerston Road and Clarendon Road, and his laptop was ordered to be forfeited.
Victim Spared Courtroom Trauma
The victim was spared the agony of giving evidence, despite the serious nature of the case. The defence argued no specialist hacking software was used to access accounts. However, the stalking went on for seven months and included Nelson tracking the victim’s movements, smashing her car, and psychological harassment.
Nelson’s anger reportedly stemmed from the victim’s choice of partner, whom he claimed framed him. He first met the woman years ago and continued to obsessively pursue her even after an earlier police investigation.
Judge Delivers Harsh Sentence and Scathing Verdict
“You pleaded guilty to stalking causing this woman serious distress over seven months. You turned up at a sports centre while she was giving blood and trashed her name. You hacked into her social media and emails, following the police investigation like a calculated predator. You caused psychological warfare. The black cloud you cast affects her life daily. Your so-called remorse is only because you got caught.” – His Honour Bebb QC
The judge’s words underline the chilling impact Nelson’s stalking had on his victim’s life. His early guilty plea meant the full extent of his depraved behaviour may never be revealed in court.
Background Troubles Fueled Obsession
The court heard Nelson’s life was marred by tragedy—the deaths of his father in 2013 and mother in 2017, plus the loss of a family pet. This grief combined with heavy drinking fueled his downward spiral. Nelson has since sought help for alcoholism from his GP.
Now behind bars, Paul Nelson faces 21 months locked up for terrorising a woman across Portsmouth. The sentence sends a firm message: stalking will not be tolerated.
