A MAN has been banned from entering Powys for 3 years after he was convicted of stalking.

James Whittingham, from Southampton, will not be allowed to enter the county until September 2025 after he was convicted of stalking his victim, from Brecon, last month.

Whittingham was convicted of stalking at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court on August 1 and appeared at West Hampshire Magistrates' Court last Friday, September 2, where he was sentenced.

The 38-year-old, of Sapphire Court, Southampton, inflicted a campaign of distress against the victim, in Brecon, from December 11, 2021, to January 26 this year, by contacting her on multiple occasions.

As part of his punishment, Whittingham must comply with a community order, which will last for 30 months. By March 1, 2024, he must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 60 hours of unpaid work.

Magistrates also granted a restraining order which will last for 3 years; he must not contact his victim directly or indirectly and is prevented from entering Powys. This order lasts until September 2, 2025.

In addition, Whittingham was ordered to pay a £90 surcharge and £85 costs.