US man jailed for decade-long stalking of UK victim

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 18:20 · Archive

Robert Beckman, a 31-year-old from Michigan, has been jailed for one year and nine months for stalking a UK man over ten years.

Robert Beckman, a 31-year-old from Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been jailed for one year and nine months after admitting to stalking a UK man for a decade. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport on 25 August after flying from Boston with the intention of meeting his victim.

Beckman had contacted his victim through online messages, posts and letters, and made comments on social media posts. His conduct caused the victim serious distress, leading him to relocate and change his daily behaviours, which affected his work and family life. Sussex Police said Beckman had been given a police caution by the Metropolitan Police in October 2021 for harassing the same man, but persisted with his communications despite returning to the USA.

At Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, Beckman was handed a 10-year restraining order and ordered not to enter the UK. Detective Sergeant James Gwynne said the victim had been thanked for coming forward and supporting the investigation.

How it is being reported

• Man jailed for stalking following arrest at Gatwick AirportA 31-year-man has been jailed for one year and nine months for stalking after being arrested at Gatwick Airport.Chichester Observer · 30 Oct, 17:43
• US man jailed after stalking victim for 10 yearsRobert Beckman is also given restraining order after being arrested at Gatwick Airport.BBC Sussex · 30 Oct, 17:31

In this story: Robert Beckman · Ann Arbor · Michigan · Gatwick Airport · Sussex Police · Lewes Crown Court

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