A solicitor, Andrew Milne, has been convicted of stalking a blogger, Daniel Cloake, over a six-month period, demonstrating a chilling disregard for his victim’s well-being. The case, heard at Thames Magistrates Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of obsessive and threatening behavior.
District Judge Lisa Towell condemned Milne’s actions, emphasizing the professional responsibility he held as a legal professional. She highlighted the deeply unsettling nature of his communications, citing comments about Mr. Cloake becoming a “sex slave” and disturbing references to finding “a dead rodent.”
The court heard a victim impact statement detailing the profound fear instilled in Mr. Cloake by Milne’s relentless pursuit. Messages contained explicitly homophobic and transphobic content, escalating to veiled threats and unsettling allusions to invading Mr. Cloake’s personal space.
Mr. Cloake described the constant anxiety of knowing Milne was meticulously monitoring his online activity and composing lengthy, disturbing emails. He lives with the ongoing fear that Milne will target his family or appear at his home, disrupting his life and sense of safety.
Despite the severity of his actions, Milne displayed a complete lack of remorse, according to the judge. This absence of empathy and insight into the harm he caused was a significant factor in the sentencing.
Mitigation focused on the personal consequences Milne would face, suggesting the proceedings themselves constituted a substantial punishment. A probation officer assessed a “low risk of reoffending,” a claim that appeared to carry little weight with the court.
Milne received a 24-month community order, requiring 300 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay Mr. Cloake £850 in compensation, alongside £650 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
A seven-year restraining order was imposed, strictly prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with Mr. Cloake, or approaching his residence. This measure aims to provide Mr. Cloake with a much-needed sense of security.
Milne’s legal representation indicated an intention to appeal the conviction, suggesting a continued unwillingness to accept responsibility for his actions. The case has already prompted scrutiny of his professional standing.
Following the conviction, the Solicitors Regulation Authority sanctioned Milne, restricting his ability to practice law without supervision. Calls for his license to be suspended were previously made, highlighting the seriousness of the offense within the legal profession.
