An obsessive stalker who subjected his victim to "repeated and sustained psychological abuse" has been has been jailed.

Marcus Towner, of Mosquito Road, West Malling, forced the woman to change jobs and her appearance to meet with demands he made.

He would frequently visit the place she was staying and would demand to speak to her, despite her pleas to be left alone.

The 30-year-old also left a phone to try to reach her, but then called it to abuse and threaten her.

Towner was initially arrested in February 2021, in connection with reports of sustained abuse against a woman which included allegations of physical assaults and threats to harm her and her family.

He was then arrested again more than a year later on April 6, after a search warrant was executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act at an address in Ryarsh, West Malling.

Police forced entry to the property, where Towner jumped from a balcony and fled carrying a holdall.

'The harassment was relentless and has caused a huge amount of distress, fear and anxiety'

The bag contained 12 bags of cocaine with an estimated value of £17,000.

A further 47 bags containing cannabis were also seized in the search worth more than £13,000.

Towner pleaded guilty to a charge of stalking involving fear of violence at Maidstone Crown Court.

A further charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour was also ordered by the court to lie on file.

Towner further admitted to two counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

He was sentenced to a total of four years and two months’ imprisonment on Tuesday and upon his release, he will be subject to a five-year restraining order.October11

Det Con Luke Statham, of the west Kent vulnerability investigation team, said: "Towner subjected his victim to repeated and sustained psychological abuse and his actions have impacted deeply on both her working and personal life.

"The harassment was relentless and has caused a huge amount of distress, fear and anxiety.

"We are grateful that the victim has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and helping us secure this important sentence.

"I would also like to remind people there is a wealth of support on offer to anyone who is suffering this kind of abuse."