Man jailed over 'sustained campaign' of stalking

Daniel New was jailed for three years and nine months

A man who led a "sustained campaign of stalking" against a woman in her 20s has been jailed.

Daniel New, from Blewbury in Oxfordshire, was jailed for three years and nine months during a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Monday.

The 36-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm and distress, assault by beating and perverting the course of justice.

Thames Valley Police said New had persistently called and messaged his victim, while also repeatedly attending her property and refusing to leave.

On 24 May this year, New attended the victim's property and assaulted her by pressing a lit cigarette against her forehead, causing a burn injury, the force said.

He was arrested and charged that day, but later contacted the victim offering £2,000 in an attempt to get her to drop the charges - which was a breach of his bail conditions.

New was later arrested and charged for perverting the course of justice.

Investigating officer Det Con Michael Hopcroft said: "I applaud the victim for her continued support in this case and for helping us to bring New to justice after he had such a negative influence on her life for so long.

"Domestic abuse isn't acceptable, and I hope this conviction and the custodial sentence New received shows other victims that police will listen, investigate fully and take every action possible to safeguard them against offenders."