An inmate at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough has been handed a further sentence of three years and three months for stalking a woman from prison.

Ben Fox, 25, stalked his former partner while incarcerated at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough.

It was found that between February 21 and May 15 this year, Fox had been sending letters to the victim’s home address, contacting her via phone calls and messages, and attempting to make indirect contact, often using other inmates’ names to send letters to the woman whom he had been blocked from contacting.

The victim had contacted police about the stalking, and Fox was charged with one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress.

Ben Fox, 25, was a prisoner at HMP Five Wells at the time of the stalking

placeholder image — Ben Fox, 25, was a prisoner at HMP Five Wells at the time of the stalking

PC Nathaniel Foster from the Northants Police’s prison crime team said: “Ben Fox showed a complete disregard for the victim and the impact his persistent and unwanted behaviour was having on her. Despite being in prison, he continued to find ways to contact and intimidate her, causing significant distress.

“Stalking can have a devastating effect on victims, leaving them feeling frightened and constantly on edge. I would like to commend the survivor in this case for her courage in coming forward and supporting our investigation.

“We take all reports of stalking and domestic abuse seriously and hope this sentence sends a clear message that this type of offending will not be tolerated.”

He pleaded guilty to stalking at Northampton Crown Court in August, and was given an additional three years and three months as well as a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim when he returned to the same court on September 23.

If you have been a victim of a domestic abuse but are not yet ready to speak to the police, visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965.