A two-year probation order has been imposed upon a 66-year old man who stalked a woman and made unwarranted contact with her on 12 separate occasions.
Branding Robert William Campbell’s behaviour as “appalling”, Judge Sandra Crawford also imposed a ten-year restraining order which bans him from contacting the woman either directly or indirectly.
During the campaign which spanned several months, Campbell approached the woman at her home, sent her gifts and made multiple unwarranted approaches.
Despite warnings about his initial conduct from both the PSNI and a pastor at his church, Campbell continued to contact her.
From Bryson Square in Newtownabbey, Campbell - who has been on remand since last July - pleaded guilty to ‘engaging in a course of conduct that amounted to stalking’ over a period from October 1, 2023 to July 20, 2024.
Belfast Crown Court heard that on May 3, 2024 police received a report from the injured party regarding unwarranted contact from Campbell.
She told the PSNI she knew Campbell as they attended the same church, but they had no form or relationship and were not friends.
At this point, the injured party told police she didn’t want to take the matter further but asked that Campbell be spoken to about his behaviour and told to stop making contact with her.
On May 20, 2024 police spoke to Campbell and told him to cease all contact with her.
Despite the PSNI warning, five days later he called at her home where he knocked her door, rang the bell and shouted through her letterbox telling her to answer.
Campbell was at the woman’s home for around 50 minutes, leaving her frightened.
The injured party then provided police with a detailed statement, setting out several incidents of unwanted and unwarranted contact from Campbell over several months.
This included an incident in October 2023 when Campbell approached her in church and hugged her and an incident when he told her he “fancied” her.
She told him she was not interested in him with the court hearing this encounter left her feeling “very shaken”.
Campbell was arrested on May 25, 2024 and during police interview admitted “fancying” the woman.
When asked about calling at her house that day, Campbell claimed he was at the property at her invitation.
He also claimed the woman told him she loved him.
Branding Campbell’s claims “completely untrue”, Judge Crawford said there was a “very concerning lack of insight” about the impact his actions have had upon the woman.
A solicitor representing Campbell said “whilst nothing could minimise the anguish caused to the injured party”, he said there were “no acts of violence or threats of violence involved in any of his actions” nor a “sexual element.”
Saying Campbell has accepted his actions were “totally unsolicited” by the woman, the solicitor spoke of a “lack or perception” regarding the impact his conduct had upon her.
Campbell’s solicitor added his client was a man who “does need assistance going forward in dealing with whatever mental issues give rise to this offending”.
Pointing out Campbell made unwarranted contact with the injured party on 12 separate occasions, Judge Crawford branded his behaviour as “appalling”.
Citing the campaign of stalking as “persistent” and “pre-planned”, the Judge told Campbell “it was obvious your conduct was causing the victim considerable distress”.
Imposing the probation order, Judge Crawford told Campbell this would include addressing his lack of insight and would focus on reducing his risk of re-offending.