Stalker who followed woman to Paris is jailed

A man who stalked a woman, which included following her to Paris, has been jailed and given a 10-year restraining order.

Oscar Romero, 44, from St Albans, pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress and was sentenced today at Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court to 20 weeks’ imprisonment and a 10-year restraining order.

For nearly two years, between 22 March 2023 and 3 January 2025, Romero stalked the victim, turning up at different locations she was working at in London and on one occasion, in Paris.

He sent the victim numerous messages on social media platforms, which included requests to know her location, expressing desires to see her, and declaring his love for her.

Romero was arrested after the victim called the police for help when he approached her in Nine Elms, in January. He refused to leave her alone, stating that he ‘was not a crazy stalker’ and insisted on following her, trying to persuade her to go for a coffee.

Peter Shergill, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This type of offence is unacceptable and can be deeply distressing and frightening for victims.

“It can force women to change their everyday lives, as this victim explained in her statement which revealed how she was too frightened to go into London for fear of encountering Romero. She became scared to leave her home and even felt the need to alter her appearance.

“It is vital that women and girls feel safe when going about their lives. The Crown Prosecution Service is determined to deliver justice for victims of stalking and harassment.

“We hope today’s sentence provides some comfort to the victim after what must have been an extremely distressing period of time.”