Relentless South Tyneside offender jailed for stalking

Shane Taylor, 47, taunted his former partner while working away across the globe in Taiwan and left her “living in constant fear” during a vile stalking campaign.

The court heard that Taylor accessed the woman’s email account in October last year when he was more than 6,000 miles away – and sent a string of distressing emails to her family.

He also bombarded his victim with a series of intimidating messages and calls – whereby he made repeated threats such as that she would go to jail and lose custody of her children.

Alongside of this, Taylor on one occasion followed her home in his vehicle after she had enjoyed a meal out with friends.

The woman bravely raised the alarm to Northumbria Police – with detectives in the Force’s Criminal Investigation Department immediately launching an investigation.

South Tyneside man Taylor was arrested as he arrived back in the country – and was later charged in connection with the reports.

While initially refusing to comment in police interview, he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, July 3, where he admitted stalking involving serious alarm or distress.

Taylor, of Durham Grove, Jarrow, was jailed for three years and four months, slapped with an indefinite restraining to protect his victim and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

The survivor of his abuse read out a statement in court, which detailed how Taylor has left her “living in constant fear day and night” and feeling “constantly on edge”.

She described Taylor’s actions as having an impact on her mental health, leaving her “unable to complete simple tasks” without support from family and friends, as well as being “terrified of going out alone”.

Speaking after the result, Detective Constable Wendy Gribben of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who has been left traumatised by the intimidating and relentless actions of Taylor.

“Not only did Taylor send repeated threats and messages to the woman involved – but he went out of his way to hack her personal email account in a bid to involve her loved ones.

“Thanks to her bravery in coming forward to police, we were able to build a strong case against Taylor – leaving him little choice but to admit his despicable stalking campaign.

“I hope the fact that Taylor is now behind bars gives some form of closure to the victim involved and she can now look forward to hopefully moving on with her life.”

Det Con Gribben added: “This case highlights the many forms that stalking can take, and it’s important to stress that these offences can happen online and not just face-to-face.

“We would urge everyone to consider the FOUR signs of stalking. Ask yourself, is the behaviour you, or a loved one, is experiencing any of these things: Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted or Repeated?

“If the answer to any of these is ‘yes’ then you may be a victim of stalking or harassment.

“Please know that you will be listened to if you report this behaviour to us – and we’ll continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe and bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone with concerns can contact Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on the Force’s website or by completing a crime update form.

If anyone is unable to contact us this way, they can call 101. In an emergency or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.

For further independent advice and information on stalking and harassment, contact the Suzy Lamplugh National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or search Suzy Lamplugh Trust online, Paladin Service, the Alice Ruggles Trust, or Protection Against Stalking.