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A stalker harassed seven different women and threatened to rape one of them. Derby Crown Court heard how David Brudenell messaged one of the women for several months on a fake Facebook profile, sending her sexually explicit images he had super imposed her face on to as well as voice messages.
In July 2024, Brudenell sent the woman a picture he had taken of her showing the clothing she had been wearing that day after following her as she walked through Ilkeston. After he was arrested, Brudenell’s phone was seized and group messages he sent to six other women were found. The messages were all sexually explicit, with some containing pornographic images.
Detective Sergeant Jack Gibbs, who oversaw the investigation, said: “Brudenell led a campaign of abuse against seven different victims. He attempted to disguise his offending through the creation and use of fake social media profiles and subjected the victims to messages of a threatening and sexual nature.
“His behaviour escalated when he physically followed one of the victims, photographed her from behind and sent her the images. When police were made aware of the incident, further victims were identified and helped to support the investigation.”
The 40-year-old of Ilkeston’s sentencing hearing was told how Brudenell phoned one of the women several times, leaving voice mails including one in which he threatened to rape her. He was captured on CCTV following one of the victims, identified, arrested and charged with stalking involving serious alarm distress, harassment and sending an electronic communication that conveyed a message which was indecent or grossly offensive.
The defendant, of Flamstead Road, admitted all of the offences and was jailed for four years and four months. He was also handed restraining orders preventing him from having any contact with any of the victims. Detective Staff Investigator Emilia Sterland, the officer in the case, said: “I would like to thank all of the victims for their bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation.
“Stalking is a deeply invasive crime that can have devastating emotional and psychological effects on victims. This case serves as a powerful reminder that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable.”
DS Gibbs added: “I’d like to thank all of the members of the community who played a crucial role in supporting this investigation and helping to secure Brudenell’s conviction. Their vigilance and co-operation in coming forward with information has been instrumental in securing justice for the victims.
“Stalking can occur in a number of ways and in this case there was both physical and cyber stalking. Anyone who is experiencing cyber stalking, physical stalking or any other form of online harassment should report it to us immediately.
“We will support you throughout the investigation as we work to bring the offender to justice.”
