Neighbours' shock at vile stalker's offending

NEIGHBOURS of poison pen letter stalker Ben Strangeways have spoken of their shock at learning of his sickening offending.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

The 21-year-old’s letters, terrorising families and threatening rape and child murder, sparked revulsion across Teesside. He wrote to at least 10 victims, seeking them out randomly on Google.

Strangeways was jailed for almost a decade last week at Teesside Crown Court, with Judge Jonathan Carrol branding him a danger to the public.

The court heard that Strangeways wrote letters to several different mothers making vile threats and when he was arrested, he was found to be carrying a knife, handcuffs and tape.

A search of the 21-year-old’s bedroom revealed further disturbing paraphernalia including books on serial killers and more weapons alongside a child-like sex doll.

Following his conviction, neighbours in Whitby Avenue, Eston, said they recalled seeing police at his address at the time but had no idea of the reasons behind his arrest.

Several residents said they had no idea he would be capable of such depravity.

One said: “He was quiet and walked as straight as a die. He's been there since he was about two.”