West Sussex Man Jailed After Stalking Woman On Dating Website

A man from Nutbourne, West Sussex, has been jailed for two years after stalking a woman he met online.

Police said David Watman, 39, of Priors Leaze Lane, was sentenced on Tuesday (23) to two years imprisonment for stalking involving serious alarm at Portsmouth Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty on  May 11 and was remanded in custody.

According to officers, Watman met his victim on an online dating website in April.

He began to stalk her and suggest people were coming to "get her" and that he was always watching her.

The victim was sent high volumes of messages, receiving in excess of 130 messages and 50 phone calls in 24 hours. 

Detective Constable Jason Berney said:

"This has been difficult for Watman's victim, who has been brave in coming forward to the police and reporting it. 

"We take stalking incredibly seriously at Sussex Police.

"Stalking can be incredibly traumatic for victims and can have a long-term psychological impact.

"We hope she can feel safer knowing he has been jailed for this crime.

"I would encourage anyone who thinks that they are a victim of stalking to come forward and report it so we can investigate." 

For information and guidance about stalking and harassment please see the Sussex Police website.