Stalker who hid under ex's bed to have jail term cut

Christopher Fowler broke open a kitchen window at Catherine Southcott's home days after their relationship ended after sending her messages telling her he was coming to her flat in Brighton Street, in Edinburgh.

The victim called police on May 10 this year who arrived to find her very distressed with Fowler, 27, hiding under a bed from where he had to be pulled out.

Fowler was granted bail the following day with a condition that he did not contact Miss Southcott but made a phone call to her.

He was then remanded in custody but continued to harass her from prison sending her a string of letters. He also made 108 calls to her old mobile phone number.

The former hotel worker was jailed for 40 months earlier this year by Sheriff John Horsburgh QC after he admitted two charges of breach of the peace and breaching bail. The sheriff said he would have faced a five-year term of imprisonment but for his guilty pleas.

The sheriff said he thought it was essential that the victim should be given a measure of protection from Fowler's "criminal and disturbing attentions".

He pointed out that she had relocated, changed her phone number and suspended her Facebook account.

Fowler, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, appealed against the length of the sentence imposed on him arguing that it was excessive.

His solicitor advocate David Taylor said of the 21 letters sent to Miss Southcott that they were for the most part "almost child-like declarations of love and friendship".

He told the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh that Fowler was "heartily sorry" for any impact on his former girlfriend following his immature behaviour.

Mr Taylor said there was never any intention of harm on the part of Fowler.

Lord Bonomy, sitting with Lady Cosgrove, said they would reduce the prison sentence imposed on him to 28 months and would give reasons for their decision at a later date.