Matthew Hardy, a 30-year-old unemployed man from Northwich, Cheshire, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for stalking at least 62 women over 11 years. Despite 10 arrests and more than 100 reports to Cheshire Constabulary, Hardy evaded justice until January 2022.
Hardy's stalking began in 2009 when he targeted female classmates on social media. He would send messages claiming to know secrets about victims, often posing as a friendly woman. When blocked, he created new accounts and made harassing phone calls. He hacked accounts, spread lies, and sent stolen intimate photos.
Victims suffered severe psychological harm. One slept with a baseball bat, another with a samurai sword. Many were diagnosed with depression and anxiety. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust called Hardy's sentence the longest ever for stalking, far exceeding the average 17-month custodial term.
Police and the Crown Prosecution Service faced criticism for failing to stop Hardy earlier. One victim reported him after he targeted her deceased mother, but police said they could not act as the harassment was online. Hardy's schoolmates recalled him being bullied and isolated.
