Two women recount their terrifying experiences with a stalker from their past.
Topics covered
Introduction
In a disturbing case that has shocked a community, two women have come forward to share their harrowing experiences of being stalked by a former classmate. The perpetrator, Sean Miller, 22, became fixated on the women he remembered from Inverurie Academy, leading to a series of frightening incidents that culminated in police intervention.
The Stalking Incidents
Between October 2022 and May 2023, the two victims experienced a nightmare as Miller stalked them both online and in person. One woman, aged 24, reported that Miller appeared outside her home on multiple occasions, including New Year’s Eve, attempting to gain entry by trying to open her front door in the early hours.
Fortunately, she was not home during these encounters, but she received alarming footage from her Ring doorbell camera, capturing the hooded figure lurking outside.
Another victim, 22, described a similar experience, recalling how Miller loitered outside her residence under the cover of darkness. On one occasion, he even took a photograph of her while she was studying in her kitchen. The revelation of Miller’s identity left both women in shock, with one stating, “I would never have suspected that it was him – it was a bit of a shock.”
The Online Deception
Adding to the horror, both women began receiving unsettling messages on the online shopping platform Vinted from a user named ‘Olivia.’ This account was created by Miller to continue his stalking under the guise of a woman. The messages escalated from benign requests for clothing photos to increasingly invasive demands, including specific outfits that the victims did not own. One victim recounted, “At first, I didn’t think anything weird about it… But it got weirder and started asking for specific things.”
As the messages became more bizarre, the women grew suspicious and decided to contact the authorities. Police Scotland collaborated with Vinted to trace the IP address linked to the ‘Olivia’ account, which ultimately led them back to Miller.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
In Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Miller pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including behaving in a threatening manner and sending unsolicited messages that instilled fear in his victims. His defense attorney described him as a “young man with a lot of difficulties,” but the severity of his actions was not lost on the court. Sheriff Rory Bannerman emphasized that the victims were “entirely innocent” and did nothing to provoke the fear inflicted upon them.
Instead of a prison sentence, Miller was placed under a community payback order with supervision for two years, required to complete 140 hours of unpaid work, and issued a non-harassment order preventing him from contacting his victims for three years. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of stalking and the importance of community vigilance in addressing such behaviors.
Conclusion
The experiences of these two women highlight the terrifying reality of stalking and the psychological impact it can have on victims. As communities continue to grapple with issues of safety and security, it is crucial to raise awareness about the signs of stalking and the resources available for those affected. The bravery of the victims in coming forward not only aids in their healing but also serves as a warning to others about the potential dangers lurking in familiar places.
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