NI's first stalking protection order marks a 'huge milestone'

SPOs were first introduced in Northern Ireland in October 2023, with this the first case where an order has been granted

Northern Ireland's first Stalking Protection Order (SPO) has been granted, after new powers to protect stalking victims were introduced in October.

A Belfast man was given the two-year SPO after harassing his ex-partner.

In an anonymous statement, the victim said she had "waited years" for a law to protect her.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it "marks a huge milestone".

The order was issued at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Court heard the defendant, 46, refused to stop contacting his 50-year-old ex-partner and her son and harassed her family members.

The defendant also turned up at his ex-partner's home on a number of occasions.

Breaching an order can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

'Positive policing'

Det Supt Lindsay Fisher said that police take all reports "seriously"

Det Ch Sup Lindsay Fisher said alleged offenders in this area were "being arrested weekly".

"We will continue to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward with the knowledge that we now have over 5,000 officers and staff trained to recognise and respond and that they take all reports seriously," she added.

"Our readiness to take action in this way we hope will have a hugely positive effect on the confidence people have in coming forward, knowing that in Northern Ireland we take stalking incredibly

In her statement, the victim said: "I am so thankful that there is now an order in place that can protect us.

"I hope this gives other victims some hope that there is help available. I am so happy, I feel I don't have to live as a prisoner in my own life anymore."

What are the new stalking orders?

The new orders give the police the ability to set boundaries by implementing specific SPOs to stop the escalation of stalking.

Subjects can be prohibited from contacting the named person on the order.

This includes contact in person, by phone call, letters, emails, messages and by social media.

The order can prohibit subjects from publishing material, or making reference to material already published, directly or indirectly linked to the victim.

Subjects can also be banned from entering certain areas, for example where the victim works, usual routes taken or where they walk their children to school.

The order also allows police officers to access the alleged stalker's home to conduct risk assessments or if they have no fixed address they must attend a police station every week.

'Huge bravery'

Det Ch Sup Fisher said the victim had "shown huge bravery" throughout the case.

The order will remain in place for two years as a criminal investigation progresses.