SHOP STALKER ADMITS GUILT

Woman distraught after being followed in EK Centre

A Murray man admitted following a woman around East Kilbride Shopping Centre and staring at her.

The panicked and upset 37-year-old was eventually able to stop a security guard after 22-year-old Kyle Hotchkiss, of Owen Avenue, tailed her around several shops, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard.

Hotchkiss admitted causing the woman fear and alarm on January 17 in the shopping centre. The fiscal depute told the court the victim first became aware of Hotchkiss standing near to her in Poundworld in Princes Square.

“The accused was looking at the complainer and seemed to be walking past her several times,” said the fiscal.

“There were no items in his hands and he didn’t appear to be shopping.

“The woman proceeded to the till, waited in the queue and she observed the accused standing behind her and as she approached the till, the accused left the store.”

The court then heard the woman made her way to Peacocks and while in the shop, she saw Hotchkiss standing at the entrance with his mountain bike peering in and watching her.

This pattern of behaviour continued as the woman made her way to the bank and several other shops within the shopping centre.

The fiscal added: “The complainer entered Primark and the following and watching continued.

“Again, the accused had no bags and it didn’t appear as if he had been shopping.

“He continued to follow her until the complainer advised a security guard about what was going on.

“But the accused was seen continuing to watch her and the complainer was distraught.

“The police were called and attended and the accused was noticed in the same area on January 24.

“He was stopped and charged but made no reply.”

Sheriff Shiona Waldron deferred sentence on Hotchkiss until this Friday for background reports when Hotchkiss’ defence lawyer will make a plea of mitigation.