Stalker jailed and given indefinite stalking protection order

A stalker locked up after he bombarded a woman with unwanted calls and texts has been made subject of a stringent stalking protection order secured by Nottinghamshire Police. 

Matthew Johnstone made hundreds of calls to the victim, despite knowing he was subject of an active 10-year restraining order. 

On one day alone the 39-year-old made more than 160 calls to her, between 8 and 9 June last year. 

Johnstone even used his own family members to text her on his behalf, pleading to speak to her, as his relentless behaviour continued. 

Following a Nottinghamshire Police investigation, Johnstone, of HMP Ranby, went on to plead guilty to three counts of harassment, after breaching his restraining order between 8 May and 9 June, and a charge of stalking, between 4 April and 8 June. 

He was sentenced to 10 months in prison when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on 30 December 2024. 

After a successful application by Nottinghamshire Police, Johnstone was also made subject of an indefinite stalking protection order, issued by the magistrates’ court on 24 February this year.

Johnstone has been warned that if he breaches his order, he could face a prison sentence of up to five years. 

Nottinghamshire Police casebuilding officer Paula Roker said: “This victim was subjected to relentless contact from Johnstone who used any means he could to try and make contact with her including using his own family members to send messages to her.  

“Unfortunately for him, the victim was able to come forward and support a prosecution including the application for a stalking protection order which was granted.

"I hope she can now move forward with her life.

"I also hope our work in this case reassures people that Nottinghamshire Police will endeavour to take every measure possible to make sure our victims are kept safe from this sort of predatory behaviour.

“Thanks go out to safeguarding stalking officer Kate Reece and Superintendent Heather Maelor, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Prevention Hub, for their support in the case and sergeant Jamie Bower for his guidance through the procedure."

Our Prevention Hub - which is a collaboration between force departments responsible for developing strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county - is a crucial part of the service’s work to protect vulnerable adults from harm through stalking or stalking-related violence.  

Supt Maelor, head of the Prevention Hub, added: “Violence against women and girls in all its forms is completely unacceptable.

"As a force we remain committed to doing everything we can to prevent and reduce the immeasurable harm it causes, keeping women and girls safe, and catching those responsible and holding offenders to account. 

“Working closely with our partners, we will continue to use all powers at our disposal to ensure victims get the ongoing help and support they need. 

“We really are ready and willing to help. I would urge anyone who is a victim of crime, their friends to report it to us on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.

"You will be supported, you will be listened to, and we will help you. You are not alone.” 

For more help and advice, including how to report and support organisations, visit Stalking and harassment | Nottinghamshire Police 

Help and support are available from other agencies, including the National Stalking Helpline, which is run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on 0808 802 0300. 

The Stalking Advocacy Service is available to support victims with assessing risk, creating safety plans, civil legal interventions, and signposting to counselling and other services. 

You can self-refer to the Stalking Advocacy Service for support, advice, and safety planning by calling the women’s helpline on 0115 947 6490 or the men’s helpline on 0115 960 5556.