A man has been held in relation to an allegation of criminal damage after the chief executive of the Young Women’s Trust said she had been targeted by a “relentless stalker”.
Sophie Walker posted a statement on Twitter on Monday saying she was disappointed that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to pursue a prosecution against a man whom she said had been severely harassing her.
I learned today @cpsuk refused to proceed with the harassment and arson charge that @metpoliceuk sought to bring against a man they have been investigating for weeks. I know this man will not stop. I have asked @centreWJ to represent me. My statement: pic.twitter.com/4T2fdQtqhP
— Sophie Walker (@SophieRunning) May 4, 2020
Walker’s statement said a man had thrown a brick through her window, started fires in her garden and slashed her car tyres multiple times.
She said lockdown had become “a horror film” for her family and her and that she had had to send her children away.
The situation has caused her to temporarily step back from her role at the Young Women’s Trust.
Walker, who was founding leader of the Women’s Equality Party before joining the charity, said she had asked the Centre for Women’s Justice to help with her case.
She tweeted yesterday morning that a man had been arrested and was being held in custody.
A spokesman for the CPS said: “The allegation of arson committed on 2 May is still under police investigation.
“The CPS will consider the case further when the police complete their enquiries and resubmit the case for review. The suspect appeared in court charged with breaching his bail in respect of an allegation of criminal damage.
“He was refused bail and will be held in custody until his hearing on 11 May. We have written to the Centre for Women’s Justice advising them of the current status in relation to the ongoing cases.”
Jo-ann Robertson, chair of the Young Women’s Trust, said the charity was “horrified” by what Walker and her family had been going through.
“I will continue to work with the senior management team as they lead the organisation while Sophie takes the time she needs to look after herself and her family.
“We are continuing our vital work to represent young women living on low or no pay and deliver our coronavirus emergency fund for those experiencing financial hardship.”