Man Sentenced for Cyberstalking Ex-Partner
Silenced: Man Given Probation for Flooding Ex-Partner with Messages
Imagine waking up to a barrage of messages on your phone, not just once, but hundreds of times a day. This was the reality for a local woman, whose ex-partner was recently handed a probation order for bombarding her with thousands of messages over a period of six months.
In a case that has through Malta’s legal system, the 35-year-old man was found guilty of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour, contrary to the Criminal Code. The court sentenced him to 12 months’ probation and ordered him to pay a €500 fine.
A Deluge of Messages
The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, told Hot Malta that the messages started pouring in soon after their relationship ended. “It was relentless,” she said, “I’d wake up to messages, go to bed with messages, and even dream about messages.” The man, who worked as a software developer, would send messages from various accounts, making it difficult for the victim to block him.
The messages ranged from pleas to get back together to threats and insults. “He’d say things like ‘You’ll never be happy with anyone else’ or ‘I know where you live, I can come by anytime’,” the victim recalled. The constant harassment took a toll on her mental health, causing her to lose sleep and become increasingly anxious.
The Law Catches Up
After months of enduring the deluge, the victim decided to seek legal help. She approached Women’s Rights Foundation, a local NGO that provides legal aid and support to victims of violence. The foundation helped her file a police report and navigate the legal process.
Inspector Maria Grech, who handled the case, told Hot Malta, “We take such cases very seriously. Cyberstalking and harassment are criminal offences, and we’re committed to prosecuting perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.”
The man was eventually arrested and charged. During the trial, the court heard how he had sent over 3,000 messages in just six months. The judge noted that the man’s actions were “a clear and persistent course of harassment” that had caused the victim “significant distress and anxiety”.
A Warning and a Way Forward
This case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of cyberstalking and harassment. With the rise of social media and messaging apps, it’s easier than ever for people to harass and threaten others. But it’s also easier for victims to seek help and for law enforcement to catch perpetrators.
The victim, now in a healthy relationship, urges others to speak out if they’re being harassed. “It’s not okay to be treated like that,” she said. “Don’t suffer in silence. There are people who can help you.”
For those who need help, Women’s Rights Foundation can be contacted on 21236025 or info@wrf.org.mt. The foundation also provides a 24/7 helpline on 116123.
