Robert Beckman was later jailed for one year and nine months
A 31-year-old American stalker has been jailed for continuing to harass a victim over 10 years despite a police caution.
Robert Beckman, from Ann Arbor in Michigan, caused his victim serious distress by repeatedly sending him messages online and in the post before eventually flying to the UK to harass him. The impact on the victim was so huge that he relocated in an attempt to escape Beckman’s harassment.
Beckman was arrested at Gatwick Airport on August 25 after taking a flight from Boston. Beckman can be seen to be visibly sweating in a police mugshot photo taken after the airport arrest.
He was charged with stalking causing serious alarm or distress that same day, and later pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on September 23.
He returned to the court on Thursday, October 29 and was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison. He was also given a restraining order for 10 years and ordered not to enter the UK.
Beckman had previously been given a police caution for harassing the same victim in October 2021.
Sussex Police Detective Sergeant James Gwynne said: “Over the course of 10 years, Beckman’s conduct affected the victim’s day-to day life, causing him to relocate and change his daily behaviours, impacting both his work and family life.
“This pattern of unwanted behaviour demonstrated a complete disregard for the victim, who we thank for coming forward and supporting this investigation.
“Nobody should have to suffer stalking behaviours and our message to all victims of stalking is to report it to us as soon as possible.
“Sussex Police takes all reports of stalking seriously. We will investigate and do all we can to keep you safe.
“If you believe you are being subject to behaviours that could amount to stalking, please report it online, call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.”
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