Nottinghamshire woman jailed for 'vile' harassment campaign against stranger

An obsessed woman who launched a "depraved" campaign of harassment against a total stranger has been jailed for six years.

Amy Pickard, 41, of Watnall, used multiple social media aliases to send invasive, sexual, and threatening messages to a man during September and October 2024. Nottinghamshire Police revealed that the volume of messages was extreme, with hundreds sent every five minutes from 6am until the early hours of the following morning.

Invasive Monitoring and Stalking

The court heard that Pickard fabricated a sexualised relationship with the victim, even photoshopping pictures of herself with him to use as her profile photo. Her messages indicated she was watching his address, as she referenced his pets, new clothes he was wearing, and even when he had switched on his heating or installed a bird box.

The behaviour escalated on 15 October 2024, when Pickard appeared outside a primary school while the victim was dropping off his children. She was arrested the same day at Giltbrook Shopping Park. Upon her arrest, police noted she was wearing distinct, stripy socks that had featured in photographs previously sent to the victim.

Sentencing and Police Response

Pickard pleaded guilty to harassment involving putting people in fear of violence. On 4 March, at Nottingham Crown Court, she was handed an extended six-year jail sentence and an indefinite restraining order.

Chief Inspector Arnie Ahmed commended the victim's bravery, noting that while there are fewer reported cases where men are victims of these offences, police support is universal.

"Pickard’s fixated and unwanted behaviour had a significant impact on the victim and left him fearing for his safety," Chief Inspector Ahmed said. "I would urge anyone who is experiencing patterns of behaviour that are fixated, obsessed, unwanted, or repeated, to please come forward and report it."

Support for Victims

Nottinghamshire Police reminded the public that support is available for those experiencing stalking or harassment. Victims can contact the force on 101 or access the Silent Solution service by dialling 999 and pressing 55 if they are unable to speak.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This statement is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Woman behind vile campaign of abuse against total stranger jailed Source Link: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/news/nottinghamshire/news/news/2026/march/woman-behind-vile-campaign-of-abuse-against-total-stranger-jailed/

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