Man Jailed for over Nine Years after Sending "Terrifying" Letters with Threats to Murder Children

A man has been sentenced after sending graphic letters to random women; one of whom he threatened to rape and others were aimed at threatening to abduct, torture, rape and murder their children.

21-year-old Ben Strangeways, of Whitby Avenue in Eston, Redcar and Cleveland, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking with fear of violence and multiple counts of sending communications threatening death or serious harm.

*** Jailed: Ben Strangeways ***

At Teesside Crown Court today, Thursday 12^th June, he was sentenced to nine years and five months imprisonment. He was also handed a life-long restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

In one letter, Strangeways told one woman that he had been “stalking her for a while now” and that he wanted to be “prepared when I visit you”. 

Three of the victims, some local and some living around the UK, are now in the process of moving house due to the fear that he caused them.

Diligent detective work and forensic evidence led to the arrest of Strangeways in Middlesbrough town centre; where he was found in possession of a knife, handcuffs and a rope; plus other items all of which he describes as carrying with him in one of the letters.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lauren Joyce of Middlesbrough CID, said: “Ben Strangeways has displayed some chilling, predatory behaviour towards women and their children; these women were targeted at random and he put them in fear of their safety.

“Strangeways poses a risk to women and children in Cleveland and beyond. These letters have been terrifying for those who received them, and some of the most disturbing evidence that I have dealt with as an officer.

“I would like to thank all of the victims for their courage in coming forward to report this offending and their continued support and bravery throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“I am pleased that Strangeways remains behind bars, which ensures that he doesn’t pose a risk to anyone’s safety and removes another dangerous criminal from our neighbourhoods.”

If you have been a victim of stalking or harassment, you can report this to Cleveland Police online here: https://www.cleveland.police.uk/ro/report/stalking-harassment-beta/v1/report-stalking-harassment/ or call 101 or Crimestoppers.