A man from West Kingsdown, Andrew Bloomfield, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for stalking two women by sending persistent indecent images and making offensive suggestions online over several years.

Bloomfield, 39, of Fawkham Road, began harassing his first victim in 2013, sending her explicit images of naked men and using sexually derogatory language, despite her objections. When confronted, he continued to harass her through social media, using multiple fake identities to disguise himself.

In 2016, Bloomfield targeted a second victim, bombarding her with images of men’s genitals and offensive messages. He used approximately 80 different fake profiles to contact her on social media. The two women, who were acquaintances, later discovered they were both enduring similar harassment and reported the abuse to the police.

Following an investigation, Bloomfield was arrested at his home on August 31, 2022. Officers seized his digital devices, uncovering evidence of his harassment of both victims and similar behaviour toward other women.

Bloomfield pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on November 8, 2024, to four years and two months in prison. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, which prohibits him from using Facebook or Instagram under any name but his own. Additionally, an indefinite restraining order requires him to cease all contact with his victims.

Investigating officer PC Callum Fullerton condemned Bloomfield’s actions, stating, “This appalling man has caused misery for his two victims over several years. His disgusting messages and images left the women in considerable distress, and he should be thoroughly ashamed of his vile conduct. Bloomfield thought the internet gave him sufficient anonymity to target women in their own homes for his own perverse gratification, but his confidence was misplaced. The victims courageously alerted the police, and he has now been brought to justice.”

The police encourage anyone experiencing online harassment to come forward, emphasizing that anonymity does not protect perpetrators from facing the consequences.