Dangerous stalker jailed for campaign of horror

A STALKER who sent horrific handwritten letters to women threatening to rape and murder their children was arrested in Middlesbrough bus station armed with a knife and 'attack kit'.

- By POPPY KENNEDY

Ben Strangeways has been jailed for almost a decade for his disturbing and evil poison pen letter campaign which saw him send sickening letters to at least 10 victims. The horrendous letters describe in grossly graphic detail the rape and murder of many of his victims' children.

In January, he was in possession of a black leather holdall described as his 'attack kit' when he was arrested in Middlesbrough. And a further search of his home uncovered an obsession with serial killers and a “child like sex doll”.

The 21-year-old, from Eston, has been branded a danger to women and children as a judge says a life sentence is not available for him to impose under sentencing guidelines.

On Christmas Eve, 2024, his first victim was handed a Christmas card while she was at her parents' home, which she had moved out of. The card, which was addressed to her, said: "Lots of love, from someone special."

Another letter arrived weeks later, which was in the same handwriting and appeared to have been hand delivered. The letter said the author had been "watching her through the window and they had come prepared with a knife," said Tabitha Buck, prosecuting.

"The letter talks about raping her... they are of an extremely graphic and sensitive nature."

Another woman received a letter to her address, which directly referenced her daughter. Ms Buck said: "He makes reference to raping the young girl living at the address, killing her and mutilating her."

His tirade of abuse continued as another woman, who had a two-year-old daughter, received a letter about how he was going to "abuse and kill" her child. The court heard he had sought the women out randomly on Google, from the Teesside area and across the UK.

Strangeways, who had no previous convictions, was arrested at Middlesbrough Bus Station on January 10 after an officer identified him as a wanted man. He was in possession of a flick knife, which was in his pocket.