A serial stalker who was one of the first people to be charged under the Protection from Stalking Act Northern Ireland 2022 has again avoided jail after breaching a Restraining Order by contacting the same female victim with whom he has developed “an irrational fixation.”
Richard McFarland (48) from Corickbeg Road, Plumridge was previously said to be “infatuated with the woman and the messages to her were amorous in nature” at one stage claiming to be the father of her baby, despite never meeting or knowing her personally.
In October 2023 he was handed a Probation Order after admitting stalking causing fear, alarm or distress between June 5 and July 6, 2022.
He further admitted breaching a Restraining Order by contacting the victim between June 5 and December 7, 2022, including when freed from custody having been initially refused bail.
Last year, he was back before Strabane Magistrates’ Court for breaching the Restraining Order by contacting the victim on March 31 as well as April 2, 5 and 13, as well as engaging in conduct amounting to stalking.
He pleaded guilty and the case was adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.
Today (Thursday), the court heard the victim contacted police after McFarland breached the Restraining Order by trying to add her to Snapchat on a number of occasions and sending a message.
The victim was left distressed and frightened by his behaviour.
A defence barrister said McFarland has shown “true remorse and apologises for his actions. He fully accepts the distress he has caused the victim.”
It was pointed out he has been on bail for 18 months with no breaches or further contact.
District Judge Alana McSorley told McFarland” “You have formed an irrational fixation with the injured party and your behaviour is relentless. It has resulted in immense stress to her and had a debilitating effect.”
The judge felt “some insight of consequences” has been demonstrated and noted there are mental health issues in the background.
While she felt custody threshold was met, Judge McSorley agreed to suspend the four month prison sentence for two years, but warned McFarland, “If you breach this, you will definitely be going to jail.”
A Restraining Order for two years was also imposed.
When he first appeared in court in 2022, it was disclosed his behaviour began by commenting on various social media posts over a course of time which steadily escalated.
While she was on honeymoon he messaged asking: “Where are you? What are you doing? Will you marry me?”
He was arrested and when asked about his claim to be the father of victim’s baby boy he replied referring to him as “our son”.
Having been released on bail and warned not to contact the victim, McFarland nonetheless proceeded to message her again.
The victim obtained a Restraining Order but despite this, she reported receiving further messages consisting of “love you” and “will you marry me”, none of which she answered.
Previously she reported him attending her home address uninvited, and again warned against contacting her.
Undeterred, he created various social media accounts and continued sending pestering messages which included: “Keep safe in my arms, please contact me.”
At one stage the victim was blocking 6-7 accounts daily.
She became very insecure in her own home, investing in CCTV and additional security measures.
When she declined to engage with the messages, McFarland began contacting her family, including her mother, causing further distress.
When McFarland’s home was searched two internet-enabled mobile phones were discovered which breached existing terms of bail for similar matters involving the same female.
