Restraining order for man who stalked NHS staff
GoogleA man who stalked NHS staff and care workers has been given an indefinite restraining order.
Michael Meszaros, 65, Butts Walk, Cheltenham, accused staff at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust and Hope Care Service Agency of not providing his late wife, Lucy, the care provision she needed.
Meszaros later began stalking and harrassing the staff at their workplaces, including filming NHS staff and posting derogatory comments about them online.
Meszaros, who pleaded guilty to three counts of stalking, was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence and an indefinite restraining order at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday.
He was also ordered to pay a £300 fine.
The court was told how Meszaros became a full-time carer for his wife after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004. In 2017, she was diagnosed with dementia.
Prior to her death in 2023, Meszaros raised concerns with staff over her care but felt he was not being listened to.
Gloucester Crown Court was told how he then filmed NHS staff at their workplaces and posted derogatory comments about them on social media between February 2021 and March 2024.
'Made me feel embarrassed'
One of his victims, care worker Imogen Bolton said she started taking anti-depressants after being targeted by Meszaros.
"The false claims made me feel embarrassed and it was difficult to make myself well," she said.
"I was 22 years old at the time. I just wanted to do my best."
Others described how they felt anxious and suffered nightmares.
Some described how they had to be escorted to their cars after work as they felt afraid.
'Driven by grief'
Before sentencing, the court was told how Meszaros suffered from several disorders, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Summing up, Recorder Richard Mawhinney said he accepted Meszaros was driven by extreme grief after his wife's death.
"Your conduct caused extreme alarm and psychological harm," said Mawhinney.
"However you have shown a level of remorse and your health conditions and other matters - including pleading guilty - I take into account," Mawhinney added.
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