A man has been given a suspended sentence after being convicted of stalking a woman from Hertfordshire.

David Mabert was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, after being found guilty of stalking two women at St Albans Crown Court on Monday (October 7).

The 62-year-old, of of Morland Road, in Harrow, did not know either of his victims and has been given restraining orders against both women.

David MabertDavid Mabert (Image: Herts Police)

He will serve his sentence if he breaches these orders.

Mabert met his first victim at her place of work in Borehamwood.

The court heard he would remain there for the duration of her shift, delivering gifts and letters to her, and trying to engage her in conversation.

Despite being warned on several occasions, he carried on this behaviour for 18 months until police were made aware and he was arrested. Subsequently he was issued with an interim Stalking Protection Order so that his behaviour could be managed while the investigation continued.

As part of checks relating to the order, police found he had sent over 300 messages in six weeks to another woman, from Colindale in Barnet.

Detective Sergeant Jennifer Stredwick-Henry, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s offender management unit said: "Safeguarding a victim is always our top priority. These women didn’t even know Mabert when he became obsessed with them.

"He continued to visit and make contact with them, causing them to fear for their safety when they went about their daily life. No-one should have to put up with this unwanted behaviour."

He added: "Stalking is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repetitive behaviour – if you are experiencing this, please do report it. Stalking can affect every part of your life and can lead to other offences. We are here to help.” 

Police advise anyone experiencing any kind of abusive behaviour to visit the Herts Sunflower Website or call the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline free of charge on 08 088 088 088.