Peterborough stalker jailed for more than 2 years after causing victim 'serious distress'

Police say that Jamie Keegan (38) of Vars Road, Hampton Hargate, had bombarded a woman with messages and threats to harm himself and to take his own life as he refused to accept a month-long relationship was over.

Keegan was sentenced to two years and two months in prison after admitting stalking involving serious alarm or distress at Cambridge Crown Court on October 15, say police.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said that after being told the relationship was over, Keegan became angry, verbally abused the victim and bombarded her with messages, threatening to take his own life.

“He became angry when she made it clear she wanted to be nothing more than friends.

“When she tried to end contact altogether, Keegan threatened to harm himself.

“The victim blocked him on social media, but Keegan created fake accounts so he could continue to message her.

The police spokesperson said: “The victim told Keegan to leave her alone, but he relentlessly sent messages and voice notes, some of which were abusive.

“He also sent her pictures of himself after he had self-harmed and again threatened to take his own life.

“Keegan’s behaviour escalated further when he worked out where the victim lived and sent her a picture of him holding rope nearby.

“He also began contacting her family, friends and workplace which resulted in her colleagues walking her back to her car after work.

“In police interview, Keegan admitted sending a “high volume of messages”, which he claimed was to get “some accountability” from the victim.”

Afterwards, DC Ryan Burke said: “Keegan simply refused to accept that the victim did not want a relationship with him.

“She repeatedly made her wishes clear and tried to cut contact, but he continued to pursue her, creating fake accounts and contacting her friends, family and workplace.

“His relentless behaviour caused her serious distress and affected her day-to-day life, including leaving her reliant on colleagues to walk her to her car after work.

“This case is a reminder that if someone tells you they do not want contact, you must respect that.

“Repeated unwanted contact is not romantic or persistent affection, it can amount to stalking.”