Stalker jailed for 'sharing harmful child abuse lies'

Patrick Egerton spread "harmful lies" about the victim who was left with paranoia

A stalker who spread "harmful lies" about a woman and threatened her with violence has been jailed

Patrick Egerton, from Spiders Island in Alderbury, Wiltshire, posted lies on social media accusing the victim of child abuse, and shared her address and photographs.

Egerton, 29, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced to two years in jail for stalking with a fear of violence.

In an impact statement read out in court, the woman said: "Since the beginning of all of this I have been having nightmares. If I go out, I still feel anxious and paranoid. Some days are better than others, but there are days where I really struggle."

Egerton ignored a previous restraining order which prevented him from contacting the victim and was arrested in Wiltshire in September on suspicion of harassment.

He was bailed but continued to contact the victim, as well as members of her family and neighbours over the phone.

Egerton then posted allegations of child abuse against the victim on social media.

Investigator Joe Cantillon said: "Over a period of several months, Egerton has continued to contact his victim, threatening her with violence on occasion and causing her to live in fear.

"He used various social media platforms to spread harmful lies about her and her family – his behaviour has caused her to feel extremely fearful and anxious. This behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated."

As well as his jail sentence, Egerton was also handed a 10-year restraining order which prevents him from contacting the victim, attending her address or posting about her on social media.