Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Stalker of Wiltshire-born YouTuber Joe Sugg jailed for 21 months
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A US national has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after a four-year campaign of harassment that forced the YouTuber and former Strictly Come Dancing star to flee his home.
A 31-year-old American man has been jailed for 21 months after a persistent stalking campaign against YouTube personality Joe Sugg, a celebrity who grew up in the Wiltshire village of Lacock. Robert Beckman, of Brentwood Court, Michigan, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, October 29, following a four-year ordeal that left Mr Sugg's partner, Dianne Buswell, and himself in fear for their safety.
The court heard that the harassment began with unsolicited emails and social media interactions before escalating. Beckman, who suffered from poor mental health, reportedly believed that Mr Sugg was communicating with him through coded messages in his online videos. He even interpreted a cup of hot chocolate featured in one clip as a signal for him to travel to the UK.
The campaign resulted in Beckman travelling to the UK and managing to gain access to an apartment building where he pushed documents under Mr Sugg’s door. Despite an initial intervention by police and a warning to cease contact, the stalking continued from the United States. The frequency of the contact increased as the couple prepared for the birth of their son, who was named Bowden in a nod to the Wiltshire landmark Bowden Hill.
In a victim impact statement presented to the court, Mr Sugg described the mental toll of the four-year campaign. He spoke of the anxiety involved in producing content, fearing that Beckman might misinterpret his work, and stated he was forced to abandon his rural home for a week after Beckman sent a letter detailing plans to arrive at Gatwick Airport and meet the star. Police arrested Beckman upon his arrival at the airport in August.
Judge Stephen Mooney remarked that the stalking had an insidious and corrosive effect on the victim’s life. Alongside the 21-month custodial sentence, the judge imposed a restraining order that prevents Beckman from returning to the UK for the next 10 years. It was confirmed that Beckman will be deported upon his release from prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm and distress, as well as failing to provide the passcode to his mobile phone.
Source: Wiltshire Times · View original