Cirencester stalker jailed for six-and-a-half years

Craig Francis, of Watermoor Road, Cirencester, also pleaded guilty to sending electronic messages to the 22-year-old woman and was appearing by video link at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced.

The court was told that Francis had committed similar offences during ten previous relationship breakdowns and that he deliberately targeted young and vulnerable women.

Judge Ian Lawrie QC said that the issue of dangerousness needed to be investigated due to his previous history.

The judge concluded that Francis was dangerous but he had sufficient room to impose an appropriate sentence that didn’t need to be extended.

Prosecutor Janine Wood said: “Francis’ latest victim, a 22-year-old woman was harassed by electronic messages. She has had to make a number of changes to her life in order to avoid Francis.”

The prosecutor explained that Francis, who also sent offensive messages to the woman's father and her new boyfriend - also putting her social media friends in fear.

The court was told that Francis had met the woman through the location-based dating website Tinder but they had never met in person.

Mrs Wood added: “From April 14, for seven days, Francis made 112 calls from a withheld number, 48 of which were in a three hour period.

“His harassment lasted for three months between April and June last year. There is an age gap of 18 years between them.

“He has ten previous convictions of a similar nature going back to 2004.

"He has added to his crimes on this occasion by harassing this woman on social media.”

Joe Maloney defending said: “The pre-sentence report is detailed and has looked into his dangerousness.”

The judge interjects and says: “Francis is just dysfunctional. He has been before the court so many times he knows exactly what he is doing.”

Mr Maloney added: “He is a man who has issues and admits the evidence in this case is overwhelming. He has already spent 215 days in custody on remand.”

Judge Lawrie said: “You threatened to smash the woman’s face in with a baseball bat. This threat alone cause her significant stress.

“You have extensive offending record. Ten of them are similar to the current offence. You have a habit of breaching restraining orders.

"What your criminal record demonstrates is that sentences other than custody, you do not have the capacity to learn your lesson.

“I’ve investigated your dangerousness and read your psychiatric report which suggests you have a personality disorder but no other mental health issues.

“I have little doubt that you are indeed dangerous, however I can deal with you in a different way instead of extending your sentence.

“In terms of your mitigation, there isn’t any.”

The judge sentenced Francis to a total of six-and-a-half years, ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and made him subject to an indefinite restraining order not to contact his latest victim.”