Derby Stalker Jailed After Six-Week Campaign of Terror, Sending 900 Threatening Messages.
A Derby man has been jailed for a harrowing six-week stalking campaign during which he bombarded a vulnerable
woman with over 900 threatening messages, including rape and murder threats. Johnathan Wetton, 39, from
Chellaston, targeted the woman after they met online through a mental health support forum. His behavior was so
menacing that the victim was forced to alter her home security, was sectioned due to the trauma, and lived in
constant fear for her safety.
Derby Crown Court heard how Wetton, enraged after the victim reported him for sending disturbing images of self-
harm, escalated his threats, sending explicit messages about harming her and even burning her house down. Despite
his claims of remorse, the court was told Wetton had downplayed the severity of his actions, making light of the
victim’s fear. Judge Martin Hurst sentenced Wetton to one year in prison, highlighting the disturbing nature of his
actions and the profound impact on the victim’s mental health.
In addition to the jail term, Wetton was handed a lifetime restraining order, preventing him from contacting the
victim or going near her home or workplace in Norwich. The case has sparked wider concerns about online
harassment and the dangers of toxic online spaces where such threats can be made with anonymity.
