**Stalker Jailed Again for Breaching Restraining Order via Instagram**
A notorious stalker from south Wales has returned to prison after once again breaching a court-imposed restraining order by contacting one of his victims through social media. Neal Hancock, whose campaign of persistent harassment had previously terrorised multiple individuals, was sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court following his most recent violation.
Hancock’s history of disturbing behaviour first came to widespread attention last year, when he was jailed after persistently targeting three victims through both online and in-person stalking. His actions, which included a pattern of messages and sinister tracking, compelled authorities to intervene with a restraining order in an effort to protect those affected.
Despite the legal restrictions in place, Hancock, aged 39, was found to have contravened the order by sending a message to Bethan Simms—one of his original victims—via Instagram. This prohibited contact not only flouted the court’s efforts to protect Ms Simms, but also highlighted Hancock’s refusal to acknowledge the gravity of his actions and the suffering caused.
Bethan Simms, from Port Talbot, previously described the depth of her distress in an interview. She recounted how Hancock would relentlessly send her messages on Facebook, each time creating new accounts to bypass her attempts to block him. Matters escalated further when these online transgressions transformed into in-person stalking, ultimately stretching beyond just Bethan to affect her mother, Kathryn, as well.
The situation became so severe that both women took precautionary measures, alerting staff at Bethan’s children’s school and providing them with photographs, out of fear Hancock might approach the premises. Bethan revealed the toll the ordeal had taken, saying the constant fear left her feeling unable to leave home safely.
During the initial investigation, it also emerged that Hancock’s list of victims extended beyond the Simms family. Carl Mallon, someone introduced through mutual acquaintances, also became a target. In Carl’s case, stalking had begun with homophobic abuse before progressing into sustained harassment over a protracted period, driving him to the point of changing his address and even quitting his job.
After the latest breach, the court heard how Hancock—whose address is now recorded as the Ambassador Hotel, The Parade, Neath—pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order by reaching out to Ms Simms on Instagram. Magistrates sentenced him to a 12-week custodial term, reinforcing the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
South Wales Police Inspector Jared Easton commented following the sentencing, stating: “Neal Hancock is clearly a dangerous individual who refuses to learn his lesson and has caused all manner of trauma for his poor victim. His behaviour towards this victim has been ongoing for several years now. It is completely unacceptable, and nobody should have to put up with a prolonged campaign like this.”
Cases such as this one bring to light the escalating threat posed by online platforms in enabling harassers to bypass traditional barriers and continue their campaigns of intimidation. Experts warn that social media has made it easier for persistent offenders to make contact, highlighting the importance of robust protective orders and swift law enforcement intervention.
As the justice system continues to face the challenge of adapting to new forms of harassment, stories like those of Bethan Simms and Carl Mallon serve as a stark reminder of the emotional and psychological toll stalking can inflict. Their accounts underscore the necessity of ongoing vigilance, both online and offline, in protecting vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders.
The incident once again raises important questions about victim safety, the effectiveness of restraining orders, and the broader need for community awareness surrounding stalking and harassment in the digital age.