News / Man jailed after found guilty of stalking
A MAN has been sent to prison for 15 months after being found guilty of stalking a girl aged under 18 following a jury trial at Lerwick Sheriff Court.
John Harding, whose address was given as Grampian Prison, was also given a seven-year non-harassment order after the jury reached their decision on Wednesday following a two-day trial.
The 46-year-old was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct on or between 22 April and 16 August at various locations in Shetland which caused the female fear or alarm.
Harding was found guilty of repeatedly attempting to contact her, establishing her place of residence and attend there uninvited, repeatedly presenting her with unwanted gifts and repeatedly sending her social media messages.
He also hugged her and repeatedly kissed her on the head, and repeatedly sent her letters.
Harding’s prison sentence was backdated to 3 May when he was first remanded in custody on the matter.
If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.
For victims of general crime:
Victim Support Shetland
Phone: 01595744524 or 0800 1601985
Web: https://victimsupport.scot/locations/victim-support-shetland/
Email: VictimSupportHighlandsIslands@victimsupportsco.org.uk
For anyone affected by crime & harm seeking a restorative approach:
Space2face
Phone: 07564 832467
Web: https://www.space2face.org
Email: info@space2face.org
For anyone affected by gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual assault, and rape:
Shetland Women’s Aid
Phone: 01595 692070
Web: https://www.shetlandwa.org
Email: office@shetlandwa.org
The Compass Centre (Shetland Rape Crisis)
Phone: 01595 744402 or 08088 010302
Web: https://www.compasscentre.org
Email: contact@compasscentre.org
For anyone affected by substance use:
Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network
Phone: 01595 744402
Web: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075791869200
Email: recoveryhub@shetland.gov.uk
Shetland Alcohol & Drug Partnership
Phone: 01595 743060 or 07342 077789
Web: https://shetlandadp.org.uk
Email: shet.sadp@nhs.scot
Substance Use Recovery Service
Phone: 01595 743006
