A MILFORD HAVEN who developed ‘an unhealthy fixation’ with a former acquaintance has appeared before a judge on a charge of stalking

For three weeks in May 2024, Jamie Norman bombarded former acquaintance with messages. He also sent numerous unwanted messages to members of her family and her friends.

The victim received the first message from Norman on May 14.

“He messaged her on Facebook, wondering if she’d like to meet up later so they could talk,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton who was sitting in Haverfordwest Magistrates court on Tuesday.

“I’d really like to see you,” he said.  “How long has it been?  Ten or 15 years?”
Further messages were sent to Jamie Norman on May 21 by one of the defendant’s family members.  “He told me that he likes this girl called Amy, so I looked you up,” read the message.

Similar messages continued over several days.

“His [Jamie Norman] desire was to move away with the victim,” continued Ms Jackson.  “He then began saying he wanted to marry her.  He didn’t know where she lived, but he wanted to go to her house, meet up with her and chat.”

He then posted several items on Facebook, asking his friends’ opinion on whether he should pursue the relationship.

“Do I carry on pursuing Amy?” he asked.  “I’d like to know what you think.”

On May 27 he contacted one of the victims friends via Facebook.  If you don’t get Amy to message me in the next two hours, I’m phoning the police,” he said.  “All I want is an answer, yes or no.”

Ms Jackson said that a total of 72 messages were sent by Norman to the victim as well as approximately four missed phone calls.

“He was repeatedly asking to meet up, saying he wanted to marry her and take her away from her so-called friends,” said Ms Jackson.  “She became increasingly concerned, particularly when she found out that the defendant knew where she worked.

“She was becoming increasingly anxious.”

In a victim impact statement read out to the court, the former partner of the defendant said she was ‘afraid of the unknown’.

“I don’t know what he’s capable of,” she said.  “I don’t think he’s thinking rationally about his actions.  It’s the fear of the unknown that really scares me.”

Norman was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher.

“The defendant has no intention of contacting the lady again,” he said.  “The messages were not of a threatening nature, but he’d clearly formed a fixation with her.  He never intended to hurt the lady and has now deleted Facebook messenger from his phone.”

Norman, 39, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm and distress.

“This involved persistent harassment over a long period to the victim, her family and her friends,” said District Judge Mark Layton when imposing sentence.

“He knew her from many years ago, but then developed an unhealthy obsession with her.  “He bombarded her, and others, with unwanted messages and this caused her considerable fear and distress.”

Norman was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, and must carry out 20 rehabilitation requirement days and 250 hours of unpaid work.  He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.  A restraining order was imposed preventing Norman from having any form of contact, both directly and indirectly, with the victim.