Woman 'frightened' of kidnapping as man followed her

The woman called Wiltshire Police after she was followed by Puligadda Sai in his car for half an hour

An 18-year-old who was followed by a man in his car for half an hour was "panicked" that she was going to be kidnapped, police have said.

Puligadda Sai, 29, of Fore Street, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to a public order offence at Salisbury Magistrates' Court following the incident at about 18:00 BST on 18 September.

Sai followed the woman, who was walking home from Trowbridge train station, driving at walking pace and sometimes holding up traffic. After 30 minutes, she called 999 feeling frightened, Wiltshire Police said.

Sai was fined £415, ordered to pay £50 to his victim, £166 victim surcharge and £85 in costs on 18 October.

Wiltshire Police said that during the course of the woman's ordeal, there was never any conversation between her and Sai, but that he had driven "very slowly behind and alongside her".

The victim described how she was panicked, thinking she was going to be kidnapped, the force added.

Local crime investigator Shonna O’Harney said: "This was an extremely concerning and frightening incident for the victim involved who feared for her safety as a result of Sai’s actions.

"Everyone should be able to feel safe walking home and should not be subjected to this kind of behaviour especially whilst walking home in broad daylight."

Wiltshire Police thanked the woman for reporting the incident, and said it hopes the sentence sends a message that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable.