Man jailed for “appalling” harassment of work colleague

Andrew Boyle, of Ettington Avenue in Middlesbrough, plagued the woman with messages and phone calls over a 12-month period that left her fearing her safety.

It came after the woman rejected the 40-year-old’s invitation for a drink and he repeatedly refused to take no for an answer.

Boyle, who was a healthcare assistant and student nurse at Roseberry Park Hospital, met the woman at work and began messaging her on Facebook in March 2022.

Five months later when she declined his offer of a drink due to being in a happy relationship, he left her a voice message saying, “I am Andy Boyle, I have never had a no in my life”.

The woman then began receiving further messages leading her to block him on Facebook however he tried to connect with her through other social media platforms which she rejected.

Failing to get in touch with her online, Boyle then began contacting her at work through emails. Called her ‘rude’ and ‘ignorant’ for not replying and stating he won’t ‘accept’ no as an answer.

He also swapped his work shifts to match hers and began spreading false rumours about her relationships with other colleagues and her conduct.

When reporting it to police, Boyle refused to adhere to their warnings and was subsequently arrested in July 2023 which led to him being charged and remanded in custody until he appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday 9 January 2025.

The court heard how the victim lives in fear of Boyle due to the threats he has made towards her and no longer feels safe when she leaves her house and workplace having once been a confident, independent and outgoing person who now continues to look over her shoulder.

Judge Advocate Thomas Mitchell sentenced Boyle to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to putting a person in fear of violence by harassment. He was also issued an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting the woman or visiting her place of work and if he breaches the order, he could be jailed for up to five years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Yasmeen Hussain, from Middlesbrough CID, said: “Boyle took advantage of a work colleague who wanted to help him with his chosen profession.

“In return, he made her fear for her safety. Boyle’s appalling behaviour impacted her work life, social and home life and prevented her living carefree including simply going out with family and friends.

“The distress this can cause is hugely traumatic and can leave a lasting effect for a lifetime. Her bravery in coming forward shows huge strength and courage and I hope she can slowly start to rebuild her life knowing Boyle will never be in it again.”

If you believe you are, or have been, a victim of harassment, please call 101 or visit our website. If you think you may be in danger, call 999.