Jailed stalker to face indefinite restrictions

A man jailed for stalking will face strict restrictions when he leaves prison after a specialist police unit secured additional measures to protect his victim.

Matthew Ashley Foster‑Smith, 46, from Bournemouth, is serving a two‑year-and-two‑month sentence for offences committed in 2023.

Poole Magistrates' Court imposed an indefinite stalking prevention order after a request from Dorset Police's High Harm Unit.

The order requires Foster‑Smith to keep in regular contact with police, including notifying them of his address and vehicle details.

It also prohibits him from contacting his victim in any way and places restrictions on his use of electronic communication devices.

The High Harm Unit, set up in 2023, sees a dedicated team monitor the 15 highest risk violence against women and girls offenders in the county.

Dorset Police said the latest figures from the unit showed those being monitored had reduced their offending by 59% over the last six months and 40% over a year.

Det Insp Marcus McCorkell said a key part of the unit's work had been "managing the perpetrators who pose the highest risk and addressing offending behaviour".

"The High Harm Unit has seen a dedicated resource achieve real results in this area and we will continue to do all we can to prevent re-offending as well as respond quickly to protect and support victims if offences do occur," he added.