Creepy Newcastle Stalker Intercepted Neighbours' Mail and Photographed them Sunbathing

A Newcastle man conducted a year-long stalking campaign against his neighbours.

David Whinham, 45, of Victoria Square, Sandyford, Newcastle, admitted one charge of stalking when he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court last week.

Stalking is an offence under section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. It has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction. The legislation describes the elements of the offence and gives some examples of conduct that might amount to stalking, although it is ultimately a decision for the court.

The court heard that the offence took place between August 2020 and August 2021.

Whinham, a keen photographer, regularly took images of his neighbours going about their daily routines. He also made a number of unfounded, malicious allegations against them.

James Long, prosecuting, outlined the circumstances: "Both parties live in a multi-storey block of flats, which is managed by Places for People.

"Since August 2020, [the complainants] have suffered a period of substantial harassment from this defendant and another. There are various strands to it.

"The defendant has, principally, been making unfounded complaints to their landlords and the police about alleged behaviour and noise coming from the complainants' flat, all of which were found to be without merit.

"[The complainants] had 27 visits from the police at all times of the day and night. In all the times police attended, nothing untoward has been found.

"For example, there were complaints made that the complainants were singing on a karaoke machine - they don't have a karaoke machine."

The court heard that Whinham had also intercepted and opened the couple's mail and made false allegations to financial companies that had impacted on the male complainant's PIP claim.

Mr Long continued: "The defendant has also been taking photos of the complainants for no reason when they were sunbathing or walking hand-in-hand down the street.

"It's apparent this has had a significant impact on the complainants, which is why it has been charged as stalking."

The complainants said that they were "worried, stressed and anxious", felt they couldn't live their normal life and were sick of constantly walking on eggshells.

In a victim personal statement, the male complainant said: "I have been diagnosed with severe stress and anxiety and put on medication, all because of what we have been put through."

Tim Gregory, mitigating, said that in his client's opinion not all of the complaints to the police were fictitious.

He said: "There was some genuineness about his approach at first, he just took it too far.

"The main allegation against Mr Whinham was the interception of the post.

"Lockdown didn't help and he felt trapped in his accommodation and had time on his hands."

District Judge Zoe Passfield, sentencing, said: "You opened someone else's post and your actions have had a serious effect on the complainants over the period of a year."

Whinham was made subject to a 12 month community order, although the requirements have not been reported by the Newcastle Chronicle.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to each complainant, £95 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.

There is also mention of a 12 month restraining order.