A driving instructor fixated on his 17-year-old student has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after violating a restraining order and appearing at her residence with Stanley blades.
Graham Mansie, 53, engaged in a four-month stalking episode targeting Maisie Relph, now 19, from July to October the previous year. Mansie operated a TikTok account named ‘For Maisie,’ inviting her for drinks, and sending unwarranted gifts while posing as a male student on WhatsApp. He spent a substantial amount attempting to hire dark web fraudsters to hack her social accounts, resulting in significant distress for the teenager.
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Although initially given an eight-week suspended jail term in May this year for stalking, Mansie violated the restraining order just nine days later. He drove 220 miles to Maisie’s flat in York, where he was eventually sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Maisie, who changed her appearance while Mansie was on bail, described the traumatic experience, leading to post-traumatic stress and severe anorexia. Despite repeated breaches of bail conditions, Mansie persisted, even appearing outside her home.
The court learned that Maisie, a psychology in education student, had enrolled for ten driving lessons with Mansie, who taught her friends as well. Mansie developed an infatuation, calling her his ‘favorite,’ and expressing a desire for a relationship. Despite initially receiving a suspended sentence, Mansie continued his relentless pursuit.
Maisie’s victim statement detailed the emotional and psychological toll of the stalking, resulting in a severe mental health diagnosis and ongoing therapy. Mansie’s disturbing actions have left her paranoid and constantly worried about her safety.
In court, Maisie expressed relief that Mansie’s reign of terror had finally ended, emphasizing the lasting impact on her life. Mansie, deemed unfit to work as a driving instructor and facing homelessness, received an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from traveling to York, referring to Maisie on social media, joining her online groups, or contacting her.
Judge Simon Hickey acknowledged the gravity of Mansie’s stalking and its profound impact on Maisie’s life, resulting in an appropriate prison sentence and restraining order. Outside the court, Maisie expressed gratitude for her friends’ support and relief that the ordeal had come to an end.