Stalker posted naked wife on Facebook

A STALKER who posted a picture of his estranged wife on Facebook has been hauled before the courts.

Martin Smith (45), of Counthill Road, Moorside, pleaded guilty to harassing his wife of six years, over a period from October, 2013, until June 2014.

Oldham magistrates heard how his wife had decided she wanted to end the relationship last year and finally left Smith in November.

Kerry Bell, prosecuting, said Smith had sent the victim numerous text messages.

She added: “He parked outside and watched her house so she went to stay with friends and got her own place.

“But she says that before she had moved in, he knew where she was living.”

The court heard how Smith sent a picture to her phone of her new house with the attached message: “I know you’re not in.”

Naked

Smith also admitted hacking into her emails and sending a message to a man — who she had contacted through a dating site — stating that she was “back with her husband now”.

The court also heard how, during a night out in Lees, doorstaff had to eject Smith from a nightclub when he was seen to elbow the victim hard in the ribs.

He also posted a picture of her naked on Facebook, which was subsequently removed by the site.

There was an altercation in Oldham when she claims he grabbed her by her throat but she failed to call the police as she was scared of Smith’s potential reaction.

He continued with a barrage of texts and refused to stop.

Graham Whittingham, defending, said Smith, who is due to start a new job as a surveyor tomorrow, made a full and frank admission when questioned by police.

“This was an 11-year relationship,” he said. “There were no children but there was property.

“Her sudden and unexpected leaving was traumatic for him but he has expressed continued regret for his actions.”

Oldham magistrates put a restraining order on Smith and ordered him to carry out a 12-month community order as well as 80 hours of unpaid work. He must pay costs and compensation to the tune of £195.