A woman drove around in a gold BMW to stalk a man after their relationship ended, and he started dating someone new. Annika Sands pursued Bradley McCreath in the Wirral, Merseyside, displaying obsessive behavior for almost a year. Upset by her ex-partner’s new relationship, Sands harassed the couple, prompting them to leave their homes at Cheshire Oaks out of safety concerns.
Sands had received a prior warning through a court order after being reported to the police by three other men she had brief relationships with. Their dating app encounter in September 2021 led to a short-lived relationship lasting only a few weeks before Bradley decided to end it, which Sands struggled to accept.
Despite Bradley initially reporting the stalking to the police in November, no action was taken until January 2022 when Sands was issued a stalking protection order following complaints from the three other men. The situation remained calm until May 15 when Bradley encountered Sands at a local store, sparking a series of unsettling events where Sands followed him in her distinct gold BMW, even flashing her headlights at him.
Subsequent incidents included Sands targeting Bradley’s new partner, Corinne Roberts, causing distress and discomfort to both victims. Sands’ behavior escalated, leading Bradley and Corinne to alter their lifestyles to avoid any contact with her. Sands eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking causing serious alarm and distress.
In court, Sands received an 18-month suspended sentence and restraining orders preventing her from contacting Bradley and Corinne for six years. The judge emphasized the severity of her actions and warned of immediate imprisonment if she breached the orders. Despite Sands’ income and debts, she was ordered to pay court costs monthly. The judge highlighted Sands’ failure to accept the end of her relationship and the distress she caused to both victims, emphasizing the consequences of any future breaches of the restraining orders.