Cambridgeshire woman’s ex jailed after stalking ordeal
The victim's ex-partner harassing her through calls and messages
A woman from Cambridgeshire, who was stalked by her former partner, is sharing her story to encourage others to seek help and to highlight the impact stalking can have on victims.
This week (20-26 April) marks National Stalking Awareness Week.
Maria, whose name has been changed for privacy, experienced overwhelming fear and control following the end of her 18-month relationship.
The abuse started during the Covid lockdowns, making it impossible for her partner to leave due to the lack of alternative living arrangements.
Reflecting on their initial meeting, Maria said, “When I first met him, he was a chatty, friendly customer at the café where I worked. He would tell me I looked nice - but he became abusive and violent. He broke my nose and he broke my hand.”
The relationship ended in 2021 when Maria discovered her partner had got another woman pregnant.
Despite ending the relationship, her ordeal didn't stop. Her former partner resurfaced roughly a year later when Maria found happiness in a new relationship.
He began harassing her through calls and messages, using friends’ phones and fake social media accounts after she blocked his number.
In 2023, he escalated his behaviour by sending an explicit image of himself to her.
The situation intensified further in 2024 when Maria noticed him near her regular café in Peterborough, a location he knew as part of her routine. Terrified, Maria sought support from friends and barely arrived safely at work. CCTV later revealed he had followed her closely in his car.
Maria recounted the distressing experience, saying, “I was shaking with fear. I couldn’t sleep. I had panic attacks whenever I went out, terrified of bumping into him.”
In the days that followed, his aggressive behaviour led Maria to call the police. Her stalker was arrested and sentenced to one year in prison.
The impact on Maria’s life was profound. She changed jobs, stopped visiting familiar places, and regularly stayed with her boyfriend for safety.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Maria stated, “I only felt safe when I was with my boyfriend or my daughter. I couldn’t be at home on my own.”
Now, Maria hopes her story will inspire others to seek help. “I’m not scared anymore. I would urge anyone going through this to call the police. I am very happy with how they helped me.
"Now I can say my life has changed. I am free.”