St Annes musician admits stalking woman and hacking into her social media

Local musician Christopher Bryson, of Hilton Avenue, admitted stalking the woman when he appeared at Blackpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday (November 8).

District Judge Philip Barnes heard how Bryson managed to get hold one of his victim’s old phones and hacked into her social media accounts in order to find out who she was dating.

One one occasion, he followed the young mum home from Lytham Festival, believing she was out with someone else. When police tried to arrest him, he drove off at speed.

Bryson admitted stalking and obstructing police.

In a statement read out at court, his victim said his behaviour had affected her educational and work life.

His lawyer Hayley Gunson said: “His behaviour was inappropriate and he apologises for the impact on the victim and her family.”

Sentencing Bryson, the judge told him: “You caused a great amount of distress and from the probation reports on you, you do not appear to regard what you did as abuse – well it was.”

He was given a five year order banning him from the woman’s road in St Annes. He must also pay his victim £200 compensation and £85 court costs.

He was handed a one year community punishment with 20 rehabilitation days and 120 hours unpaid work.