Stalking is a frightening and unpredictable crime that can be difficult to prosecute—as illustrated in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer
In this week’s NLJ, Claudia-Lauren Williams, of Red Lion Chambers, outlines the various stalking offences, covers investigative difficulties, evidential hurdles and stalking protection orders, and suggests ways to better understand and address the issue.
Williams looks at the link between stalking offences and mental health, noting: ‘The prevalence of mental health disorder among defendants in the criminal courts is well understood by those working in the courts and supported by research.’ She calls for more research into potential treatments, highlights the different types of stalker identified by research and questions whether recourse to the criminal justice system is always the best route for offender and victim.
