Hythe man Michael Stimson jailed for more than three years for stalking woman

A HYTHE man has been jailed for more than three years for stalking a woman who was left “completely and utterly broken”.

Michael Stimson (40), of Ladycross Road, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court, having also been convicted of two charges of criminal damage.

He also sent offensive messages to his then-partner via a public communications network.

His victim, whom the A&T is not naming, told the court in an impact statement how she had been affected by Stimson’s behaviour, including having suicidal thoughts.

She said: “I am still not able to sleep properly and am woken by the slightest noise from my neighbours or passers by in the street.

“I often break down with no warning, have panic attacks and cry inconsolably, sometimes so hard I am unable to stand up.”

“The deep psychological trauma I have endured will remain with me for the rest of my life.”

She added: “I don’t believe I will ever be in another relationship now, I don’t think I will ever be able to trust anyone again.

“I can honestly say that Michael’s abuse has left me completely and utterly broken.”

She described how she tried to leave him but found it “almost impossible” and warned he was a menace to women.

Stimson was imprisoned for three years and four months, and handed a five-year restraining order to protect his victim.

He was further told to pay £228 in court charges.

As reported in the A&T, Stimson was also jailed at Southampton Crown Court in 2019 for repeatedly attacked his then partner and threatening to burn down a former friend’s farm.

Then, he admitted three counts of assault, one of harassment and two of criminal damage.

In an impact statement, the female victim at the time said she had been “a strong, independent woman” before meeting him but was left fearing he would kill her.

Stimson had already been subject to a 12-month suspended sentence imposed by Newport Crown Court for charges of actual bodily harm, criminal damage and possession of cannabis.

He had previous convictions for attacking former partners in 2008 and 2014. He also assaulted his parents in 2017.

Defending in 2019, Aleksander Lloyd said Stimson was “an individual who has got a troubled past and a troubled relationship with alcohol”.

Following the latest offences, Hampshire police spokesperson said victims do not have to “suffer in silence”.

They said: “A victim may have suffered for years before having the confidence to report their abuser, so it’s enormously important that policing responds when it is revealed, by providing effective ongoing help for victims and intervention for the perpetrator.

“We are fully aware of the need for us as a local police force to protect all those in need – that has to be our ultimate aim when dealing with reported incidents of domestic abuse and violence.

“You may be feeling frightened, isolated, ashamed or confused. If you have children it may be that they too are suffering, whether they witness abuse or not.

“Yet, it is vitally important to remember you are not to blame for what is happening.

“Likewise, you are not alone, and above all you do not have to suffer in silence.”

For help with domestic abuse, visit bit.ly/3ZAggcJ