Madeley man sentenced for harassment and theft of mobile phone

A Madeley man has appeared before magistrates in Telford to face sentencing for a campaign of harassment and the theft of a mobile phone.

Andrew Walton, 45, of Joseph Rich Avenue, was sentenced at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 25 February 2026. The court heard that between 1 July and 30 July 2024, Walton pursued a course of conduct that amounted to the harassment of his female victim.

The court was told that Walton sent unwanted calls and texts to the victim and turned up at her address unannounced on 24 July. He then loitered outside the property to watch it.

During this same period, Walton also stole an iPhone 12 belonging to the victim.

Walton pleaded guilty to the charges, and the court took these pleas into account during sentencing. For the offences of theft and harassment without violence, magistrates imposed a community order lasting until 24 February 2027.

As part of the order, Walton must:

• Comply with instructions from a responsible officer.
• Participate in up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

The court also issued a restraining order, which prohibits Walton from contacting the victim by any means, directly or indirectly. This order will remain in place until 24 February 2029.

Financially, Walton was ordered to pay a £200 fine, a £114 surcharge, and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

A collection order was made, allowing him to pay the total in monthly instalments of £20 starting in March.