Bitter Ex-Missus Harassed Former Hubby's Wife

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

A telephone and email harasser has been sentenced for waging a campaign against her ex-husband's current wife.

Barbara Nichols, 63, of Appleton Square, Mitcham, a full-time carer to her mother, made repeated silent telephone calls and sent emails under a false name to the victim.

She pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to one count of harassment between September 30, 2021 and January 27, this year.

Prosecutor Corran Helme told the court the victim thought it was “strange” Nichols 'liked' a post on her daughter's facebook page and a few weeks later she started receiving phone calls from a withheld number.

She would receive three such calls a day and then began receiving emails from an account in a man's name.

Email messages included: 'Changing profile pictures won't make him love you,' 'no good blocking me,' 'You better start looking for husband 3, 4 or 5.'

The victim felt the unknown harasser knew personal details about her husband's family history and their wedding anniversary.

The court was told the victim was “anxious, crying and depressed” as a result of Nichols' behaviour and was struggling to sleep at night.

She was confused by Nichols' campaign because her relationship with the defendant's ex began three years after the split-up sixteen years ago.

Nicholas told the court: “I feel ashamed. I cannot describe how I feel, I feel awful.

“I have come to terms now and don't have any issues.”

Magistrate Vanessa Weguelin told Nichols: “Your behaviour was bizarre in the extreme.”

She was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 120 hours community service and up to 25 days of a Probation Service-approved Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Nichols was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, plus £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.