Ripon stalker who rang woman 90 times in one night jailed

A man who called a woman 90 times in one evening has been jailed for stalking.

Ashley Watson, 30, pleaded guilty at York Crown Court to stalking involving serious alarm or distress and also admitted assaulting the same woman on a separate occasion.

In addition to the phone calls, the court heard he also made threats to cause damage to property and attended the victim’s place of work to check on her whereabouts.

Watson, of Gallows Hill, Ripon, was jailed for 10 months and was also issued with a seven-year restraining order.

North Yorkshire Police said Watson pleaded guilty to the offences on the day he was due to stand trial.

Det Con Dean Slater said: “Thankfully he did the right thing and pleaded guilty, sparing his victim the ordeal of having to give evidence in court.

“I am pleased that justice has been done and hope that the victim can now move on with her life.”

He said stalking was a serious crime that “could lead to serious violence” and urged anyone who thought they might be a victim to come forward.

“We know it can be difficult for victims to make that first report, but it is really important that you do,” he said.