A 44-year-old man from Northampton has been remanded in custody after being charged with multiple counts of stalking police officers and perverting the course of justice.
Simon Tilley, of Branksome Avenue, Kingsthorpe Hollow, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Christmas Eve, a day after his arrest and subsequent charging by police.
Charges Against Tilley
Tilley faces three counts of stalking with intent to cause serious distress under Section 4A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Prosecutors allege that Tilley published false and malicious material online targeting two serving and one former Northamptonshire Police officer. The content, posted via his X (formerly Twitter) account and a WordPress website, reportedly caused the victims significant alarm and distress.
In addition to the stalking charges, Tilley has been charged with three counts of perverting the course of justice. These offenses allegedly occurred between March and December of this year.
Court Hearing and Decision
During the hearing, the defense submitted a bail application, which magistrates declined. Tilley was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Northampton Crown Court for a plea hearing on February 11, 2025.
Investigation Details
Northamptonshire Police have yet to release a formal statement regarding the ongoing case, which highlights alleged harassment and intimidation of law enforcement personnel online.
The matter is being handled with seriousness, as it involves both the safety of officers and the integrity of justice.
Legal Context
Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, stalking offenses with intent to cause serious distress can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. The addition of charges for perverting the course of justice further underscores the gravity of the allegations.
Public Safety Message
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting stalking and harassment. Anyone experiencing similar issues is urged to contact authorities or seek support through appropriate channels.