Stalker, 88, hounded woman who shared interest in Bible
A DEVOUT churchgoer aged 88 is believed to have become Britain’s oldest stalker after he became infatuated with a younger woman he met through their shared interest in The Bible.
Widower Frank Chadwick had hoped for companionship with the 54-year-old woman following the death of his wife just before their 50th wedding anniversary.
But after the pair had a cup of tea, partially-deaf Chadwick began hounding the woman over a period of two years.
In a statement, the woman said: “Due to his behaviour I am still keeping the blinds shut in my living room as he could still see me if I sat in my chair.
“When I approach my house, I check I have my keys ready and check he is not lurking in the area. I avoid answering the phone or door unless I know who it is. I have to consider what he may do before I do things myself.”
At Manchester magistrates court, Chadwick, of Waters Nook Road, Westhoughton, Bolton, admitted a charge of stalking without fear, alarm or distress and was banned from contacting the woman for 18 months under the terms of a restraining order. He was also conditionally discharged for 18 months.
The incidents began in 2016 after Chadwick bumped into the woman while they were out walking in the Salford area.
“He had a Bible in his hand after being asked to research a question posed by his vicar and she offered to help.
Prosecutor Lynn Rogers said: “The two met by complete chance. She was out walking in February 2016, when she saw him and they started to chat, and they had a cup of tea together and arranged to meet for lunch. She took him to a local centre where she works as a volunteer. He asked if he could also volunteer but was told it would not be appropriate. He followed her to her place of worship, and would send her hand-written letters, and hand-deliver them through her front door.
“At the centre, he was spoken to by staff and asked him if the reason he wanted to volunteer for them was because he wanted to be close to her and he said ‘yes’. He was told not to attend the centre any more. He was reported in 2016 and Marchlast year, as she saw him walking down her cul-de-sac.
“He went up to her house and he knocked on the door and rang the bell to try to contact her. She remained in her house and the curtains were drawn in the front.
“She said he was seen by a neighbour and he was loitering around the area, and posted letters and a book through her door.’’
Adam Whittaker, defending, said: “He had impeccable character and it is unfortunate we have to be in this situation.
“He just didn’t understand what has happened. He does have difficulties with hearing, and he communicates by letters.” He Chadwick’s victim added: ‘’He didn’t know why or what he did wrong. He just sought after companionship.”
District judge Khalid Qureshi dismissed the need for punishment, and said: “There was no malice involved and there was no threat, it was just the persistence of the matter, and the letter is very well written – you pleaded guilty at the first instance.”
When approached outside court, Chadwick said: “We loved each other and we fell out. She met me and picked me up.
“She’s a lovely person and I don’t want to say anything that would hurt her. I’m 88 but I’m fit. I don’t mix with older people. I feel more like 58.”