A woman in South Shields is commended for her courage after her stalker was sentenced to five years in prison for his actions
South Shields: A woman has received high praise from Northumbria Police for her incredible bravery after her stalker was sentenced to five years in prison.
The stalker, Shuaib Muhammad, 31, harassed her in South Tyneside, sending her letters and damaging her property. It was a tough situation for her.
To protect herself, she set up CCTV, but Muhammad kept messing with it. Neighbors and the victim caught him on camera peeking through windows and hanging around outside.
During this time, she also got creepy phone calls from a blocked number, just silence and breathing on the other end. Super unsettling, right?
Detective Constable Rachel Hyde led the investigation and quickly identified Muhammad as the main suspect. She even matched his handwriting from old letters to the notes he sent her.
When they searched his home on Marshall Wallis Road, they found clothes he wore during his visits, including a jacket and gloves. It was pretty damning evidence.
After a detailed investigation, he was charged in March 2024 and pleaded guilty to stalking in May. Finally, on December 24, he was sentenced to five years in jail.
Once he’s out, he’ll be on license for three years and can’t contact the victim at all, thanks to an indefinite restraining order.
Detective Hyde praised the victim for her strength, saying she handled everything with such composure. While nothing can change what happened, knowing he’s behind bars should help her find some peace.
She also reminded everyone that while stranger stalking is rare, it’s important to recognize the signs. If you or someone you know is facing fixated, obsessive, unwanted, or repeated behavior, it might be stalking.
For help, reach out to Northumbria Police or contact support services like the Suzy Lamplugh National Stalking Helpline. They’re there to help.
