Christopher Bayliss, aged 44, from Cambridge, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court after being found guilty of stalking, harassing, and blackmailing his ex-partner during the autumn of last year.
The court heard that Bayliss hacked into his former partner’s dating and social media accounts, sending hundreds of threatening messages and even contacting the victim’s daughter as part of his relentless campaign of abuse.
Following the discovery that his ex-partner had entered a new relationship last summer, Bayliss became obsessed. Over a period of just two days, he sent 92 WhatsApp messages, left 71 voicemails, and made 32 unanswered calls, significantly escalating his harassment.
On 15 November, Bayliss confronted the victim at her home, demanding money. Although she initially refused, she later transferred £25 in an attempt to make him leave. The following day, he returned at 4am, banging on the door and threatening to take his own life.
Bayliss also targeted the victim’s family and employment. He contacted her daughter, blaming the victim for his drug use and vowing that she “doesn’t have another relationship.” Additionally, he threatened the victim’s job by falsely accusing her of stealing cash and drugs, sending emails with these allegations to her workplace.
Fearing for her safety, the victim chose to stay away from her home and kept her whereabouts hidden. Bayliss was arrested on 2 December. In addition to his prison sentence, he was issued a ten-year restraining order. Charges of controlling behaviour and a further stalking offence were left on file.
Originally published by UKNIP.
