Court / 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.
Space2face
Space2face Shetland is an independent and confidential service which uses Restorative Justice and the arts to bring those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication. We enable everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
If you would like to reach out to us, please contact us via e-mail info@space2face.org or mobile 07564 832467.
If you would like to know more, visit our website www.space2face.org, or our Facebook page #space2faceshetland.
The project is also currently fundraising to secure office space in Shetland’s brand-new creativity and wellness centre, The Mission. If you’re interested in getting involved, or making a donation, head over to www.space2face.org/how-you-can-help
