Two entrepreneurs faced a distressing four-year cyberstalking ordeal triggered by a selfie taken at an event in 2019. The nightmare began with a brief encounter that quickly spiraled into a relentless online campaign of lies and harassment. Brad Burton, 52, and Naomi Timperley, 53, were targeted by Samantha Wall, 55, from Stockport. Wall made false accusations on various social media platforms, including claims of infidelity, animal cruelty, and abuse against Mr. Burton. She was sentenced to two years and four months in jail at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court.
The victims had a casual meeting with Wall where they hugged and took a photo before parting ways. However, Wall’s subsequent actions included spreading false information about Mr. Burton over a decade, leading to significant emotional and financial distress. Ms. Timperley also endured years of online harassment, facing a barrage of defamatory posts.
Wall was eventually prosecuted in 2023 after initially denying charges of stalking and improper use of electronic communication. Despite being diagnosed with a delusional disorder, the judge emphasized that her condition did not excuse her behavior.
In court, Mr. Burton and Ms. Timperley shared the profound impact of Wall’s actions on their lives. They described how the relentless campaign tarnished their reputations, eroded trust, and caused severe emotional distress. Both victims pointed out the detrimental effect on their mental health, necessitating medication to cope with the aftermath.
Mr. Burton expressed relief at Wall’s sentencing but criticized social media platforms for enabling such abuse. He highlighted the need for stricter regulations in the digital space to prevent similar incidents in the future. Greater Manchester Police provided support to the victims and encouraged others facing harassment to seek assistance.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online harassment and the long-lasting effects it can have on individuals’ lives.
