Louise Heseltine, a 48-year-old finance worker, has been fined £1,272 and given a 12-month restraining order after being found guilty of stalking her former friend, Sally Bisset. The harassment occurred over a year following the end of their friendship after they participated in the Three Peaks Challenge together. Bisset decided to cease contact with Heseltine after realizing their views and interests did not align. Despite Bisset's attempts to disengage, Heseltine continued to contact her through phone calls, texts, and emails, and even showed up at her home unannounced.
During a court hearing at Harrogate Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Thomas Theakston detailed how Heseltine's behavior escalated despite Bisset's clear communication that the contact was unwanted. In one email, Heseltine expressed her willingness to risk a restraining order to reconnect with Bisset. Bisset described her experience in a victim statement, stating she felt disrespected and helpless as her wishes were ignored.
Heseltine's solicitor, Ibrar Hussain, argued that the two women had shared a close friendship prior to its abrupt end, and that Heseltine struggled to cope with the loss. The court heard that Heseltine, who is also a former personal trainer and amateur weightlifter, had attempted to reach out to Bisset multiple times, questioning whether she had done something wrong.
The court ultimately decided against awarding compensation, recognizing that the relationship had been severed and that it would be inappropriate to do so. In addition to the fine and restraining order, Heseltine is prohibited from contacting Bisset or entering her street, as well as from posting about her on social media.