For a decade, professional makeup artist Billie-Jo Barker endured a living nightmare, relentlessly pursued by a stalker whose obsession escalated into a terrifying campaign of harassment that invaded her every waking moment.
Ben Thomas, 38, waged a sinister ten-year campaign against Ms. Barker, bombarding her with thousands of unwanted messages, turning up uninvited at her home and workplace, and even donning a bizarre reindeer antler headband during one chilling encounter.
A Decade of Unrelenting Fear
The court heard how Thomas's fixation began in 2014 and rapidly spiralled out of control. His actions were not merely persistent; they were calculated to instil maximum fear. He sent a staggering volume of communications—over 1,000 messages across social media, texts, and emails—often making disturbing and violent threats towards her family members.
"The impact on my life has been devastating," Ms. Barker stated in a victim impact statement. "I have felt like a prisoner in my own home, constantly looking over my shoulder. The anxiety and fear he has caused is indescribable."
The Bizarre Reindeer Encounter
One of the most surreal moments in this harrowing ordeal occurred when Thomas appeared outside her home wearing the reindeer antlers. This bizarre act underscored the unpredictable and unsettling nature of his behaviour, leaving Ms. Barker feeling increasingly vulnerable and unsafe in her own space.
His stalking was not confined to her personal life. Thomas repeatedly visited the salon where she worked, disrupting her professional environment and causing immense distress to both her and her colleagues.
The Legal Repercussions and a Final Warning
Fearing for her safety, Ms. Barker finally sought protection through the courts. At Brighton Magistrates' Court, a five-year restraining order was granted against Thomas, of Hove, East Sussex. The order strictly prohibits him from contacting Ms. Barker directly or indirectly, and from entering the street where she resides.
District Judge Amanda Kelly delivered a stern warning to Thomas, emphasising the severity of his actions. "This was a persistent course of conduct over a very long period of time," she stated. "You must understand that if you breach this order, you will be brought back before the court and the penalty is a custodial sentence. It is as simple as that."
A Life Forever Changed
While the restraining order offers a measure of legal protection, the psychological scars for Ms. Barker run deep. Her case highlights the severe and long-lasting impact stalking crimes have on victims, transforming their sense of security and freedom.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking stalking seriously and the critical need for robust legal frameworks to protect victims from such prolonged and terrifying ordeals.
