Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ann Summers boss victim of stalker

Tuesday 03 June 1997 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The managing director of the Ann Summers empire was left "frightened and terrified" after becoming the victim of a telephone stalker, Lincoln magistrates heard yesterday. Jacqueline Gold, 36, received dozens of phone calls from her unemployed tormentor, Dean Bentley (pictured), after he became infatuated with the woman whose shops and mail order parties sell sex aids and lingerie.

He conceived an elaborate plot in which he would warn Miss Gold of a scheme to harm her and even persuaded his mother to back him up on the telephone. He was arrested in January after the calls were traced to a kiosk near his home. Yesterday Bentley, of Heighington, Lincolnshire, was sentenced to two years' probation after admitting sending a threatening letter and four charges of making menacing telephone calls. He was also ordered to do 100 hours' community service and to pay Miss Gold pounds 100 compensation. His mother, Olwen, 63, was given a year's conditional discharge and also ordered to pay pounds 100 compensation after admitting making annoying phone calls.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in