A Somerset man has been sentenced to suspended prison time after stalking and harassing multiple victims in Chippenham.

Mark Bowler, of Englishcombe Lane in Bath, first started harassing his victims at the beginning of January 2024 and he sent numerous emails and social media messages to them which gradually became more and more threatening as time went on.

In March, Bowler then took his harassment to the next level and started to stalk one of the victims, a woman from Chippenham, after finding out where she worked.

He would repeatedly turn up at her place at work posing as other people, and the unsettling incidents were reported to Wiltshire Police on March 7.

"Bowler has a flagrant disregard for people and their property and the extreme and variety of lengths he went to discover the victim’s whereabouts, were planned and included impersonating others," said LCI O'Harney, lead investigator in the case.

"Bowler’s actions were intrusive, unwanted and caused the victims to live in fear.”

The stalker was finally arrested in early June and appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court for sentencing on Wednesday, June 26, after pleading guilty to stalking and harassment.

The Somerset man has been given a suspended sentence of 20 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and must also obey a restraining order for three years.

On top of this, Bowler has been ordered to pay £154 victim costs and £400 in court costs.

Bowler appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court for stalking and harassmentBowler appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court for stalking and harassment (Image: Newsquest)

“I’d like to thank the victims in this case for having the courage to report this series of stalking and harassment incidents the police and having the resilience to pursue the police investigation," added LCI O'Harney.

"If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of stalking or harassment there are a few different ways you can report it to the police.

"We understand it can be difficult. Our officers and partner organisations are here to listen and work together to support you in any way we can.

"Importantly, your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe."