Merseyside woman stalked three men and subjected them to ‘fixated and obsessive behaviour’

A Merseyside woman who stalked three men has been given a five-year stalking protection order (SPO) by the police.

Annika Sands, 37, from Prenton, Wirral, was given the order last week.

Merseyside Police said Sands used social media to harass and make threats towards her victims, their friends and family both online and in person between November 2019 and May 2021.

The investigation involved ‘extensive digital analysis’ and Sands is now subject to a number of conditions under the SPO, including contacting any person if they expressly state that they do not wish to be contacted by her.

Breaching the conditions could result in imprisonment.

Stalking: fixated and obsessive behaviour

Detective inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: “Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour, which is intrusive.

“Sands subjected her victims to such behaviour and it is appropriate that she is now facing the consequences of her actions.

“I would like to commend Sands’ victims for having the courage to come forward and support the police investigation.

“I hope that this result will provide reassurance to victims of stalking that, no matter what your gender, age or race, if you come forward your complaint will be thoroughly investigated, with discretion and our specially trained officers will be on hand to provide safeguarding, support and reassurance.

“Merseyside Police and our partners are acutely aware that the experience of being stalked can change people’s lives dramatically.

“Victims of stalking offences can quite rightly feel unsettled, distressed and isolated which is why it is important that we get the message out that help and support is always available.

“If you feel you have been a victim of stalking, please contact us on 101 or @MerPolCC. If you are ever in immediate danger always dial 999.

“If you do not want to contact the police at this time then seek support from other agencies, for example, the National Stalking Helpline, a project run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on 0808 802 0300 or speak to friends and family about what is happening. But above all else: don’t suffer in silence.”

What is the Suzy Lamplugh Trust?

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a personal safety charity, was established in 1986, following the disappearance of 25-year-old Suzy Lamplugh, an estate agent and lone worker who went to meet a client and never returned.

Ms Lamplugh was never found and eventually declared deceased after seven years in 1993.

National Stalking Awareness Week takes place from April 25 to 29 this year.

Violet Alvarez from the policy and campaigns team at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust said: “Stalking is a serious and insidious crime, with one in five women and one in 10 men experiencing it in their lifetimes.

“Stalking is defined as a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour that is unwanted and repetitive, such as sending gifts, social media contact, texting, third party contact and more.

“It’s is a crime of psychological terror that impacts on all aspects of a victim’s life, often in ways that are long-lasting and traumatic.”

What is a stalking protection order?

An SPO aims to protect victims of stalking - it is a criminal offence to breach the terms of an order.

From 2020 legislation in England and Wales allowed police to apply to magistrates for an SPO.

Courts also have the power to impose an interim SPO to provide immediate protection for victims while a decision is being made.

Anyone who has information in relation to a stalking offence is encouraged to contact Merseyside Police on 101, @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.