Victim's fear as stalker who followed her 3,117ft up mountain is set free

A STALKER who followed his victim up one of England’s highest mountains during a campaign of terror has been released after two days in prison.

- By Paul Jeeves Crime Editor

The unnamed woman has been left fearing for her life after John Hall, 50, was let out so soon after being handed a five-and-a-half-month term because of the time he had spend on remand.

The victim told how she froze in terror when she saw Hall appearing through the mist as she reached the 3,117ft peak of Helvellyn, in the Lake District, with her walking group.

Hall then followed the group back down the mountain for seven hours before pursuing the woman in his car.

After a chase Hall was arrested for the 10th time over his harassment of the victim, with whom he had been having an affair before being dumped.

Hall, a married Greggs bakery worker from Newbiggin Hall in Newcastle, spent four weeks in custody before pleading guilty to stalking at the city's magistrates court where he was then let go with a community order and restraining order.

As part of the order he was electronically tagged but he managed to rip it off and sent the victim a picture of it in his hand.

Hall was then arrested again earlier this year over further stalking offences and remanded in custody.