PSNI: ‘Stalking will not be tolerated’ as Coleraine man charged

Police in Northern Ireland have issued a renewed call for public vigilance against stalking, as a 34-year-old man has been charged following a rapid police response in Coleraine.

Detective Sergeant Higgins of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued a firm message of support to victims:

“We continue to issue a strong public message to not ignore the red flags of stalking behaviours.

“On Wednesday we received a stalking report from a local female and within a few hours CID had the alleged perpetrator in custody and later overnight charged him.

“This only serves to reiterate our commitment to tackling this insidious crime. Stalking will not be tolerated in our communities. Thousands of officers and staff have now been trained to recognise and respond to these crimes and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.”

The 34-year-old man was arrested by the local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Coleraine on Wednesday, 14 May, in connection with a report received that same day.

He was subsequently charged overnight on Thursday, 15 May, and is expected to appear in Coleraine Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 16 May.

As standard procedure, all charges are subject to review by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

Strengthened Legal Framework for Stalking in Northern Ireland

This case comes as part of a broader crackdown on stalking behaviours across Northern Ireland, following the introduction of new legislation in April 2022, which formally criminalised stalking for the first time in the jurisdiction.

Between April 2022 and 31 March 2025, the PSNI has recorded 521 arrests for stalking-related offences, leading to 265 charges. Since October 2023, PSNI officers have also successfully applied for four Stalking Protection Orders, legal tools designed to impose behavioural restrictions on alleged perpetrators and provide greater safety for victims.

These figures reflect an ongoing and proactive effort by the PSNI to ensure that stalking victims receive swift protection and that alleged offenders face appropriate legal consequences.

Understanding the Red Flags of Stalking

The PSNI continues to raise awareness of the early warning signs of stalking, which can include unwanted contact, repeated following, monitoring of activities, or any behaviour that causes fear or distress.

Further guidance on recognising stalking behaviours and how to seek help can be found on the PSNI website.