Stalker put AirTag in victim's car to track her

A man who stalked a woman and put a tracking device on her car to follow her movements has been jailed.

Northampton Crown Court heard Wayne Stead, 48, of Stimpson Avenue in the town, started harassing her, making threats and turning up unannounced at her home after their relationship broke down in 2023.

He was jailed for two and a half years and handed an indefinite restraining order after pleading guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress.

PC Rich Horsburgh from Northamptonshire Police said: "The ordeal that Wayne Stead subjected this woman to was nothing short of horrific."

"Her bravery in coming forward, despite her very real fear that he would make good on his threats to harm her, is remarkable," he added.

The court heard Stead started calling and messaging the woman at all hours of the day and night after their relationship broke down.

He placed an Apple AirTag, which are designed to help people find missing items, in her car.

Concerns have previously been raised about the devices being used by stalkers.

The woman reported Stead to the police in August 2024, telling them she had moved into a hotel and was in fear of her life.

He denied the offences but, before his trial took place, he changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment at Northampton Crown Court.

He was also given an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman or going near her home.

A charge of burglary against him was dropped after prosecutors offered no evidence.

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