US man jailed after stalking victim for 10 years

A man who travelled from the USA to meet a UK man he had been stalking for 10 years has been jailed after being arrested at Gatwick Airport.

Robert Beckman, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been jailed for a year and nine months after admitting causing his victim serious distress by sending him messages online and by post, as well as commenting on social media posts.

The 31-year-old, who was arrested at Gatwick Airport by Sussex Police on 25 August after flying from Boston with the intention of meeting the victim, pleaded guilty at a hearing last month.

At Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, Beckman was also handed a 10-year restraining order and ordered not to enter the UK.

According to Sussex Police, the 31-year-old had previously been given a police caution by the Metropolitan Police for harassing the same man in October 2021.

Despite returning to the USA and being told not to contact the victim, Beckman persisted with his communications, the force said.

Det Sgt James Gwynne said: "Over the course of 10 years, Beckman's conduct affected the victim's day-to day life, causing him to relocate and change his daily behaviours, impacting both his work and family life.

"This pattern of unwanted behaviour demonstrated a complete disregard for the victim, who we thank for coming forward and supporting this investigation."

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