DAREN MOORE – GATESHEAD

 

Please do Clare’s law

Man jailed for stalking and threatening his sister after leaving disturbing “shrines”

A man who created disturbing “shrines” and made repeated threats to kill his sister has been jailed following a court hearing.

Durham Crown Court heard that 57-year-old Dawn Moore, from Delves Lane, Consett, engaged in alarming behaviour that caused significant fear and distress to his sibling over a period in March.

The court was told that Moore, who was experiencing mental health difficulties at the time, twice left unusual and unsettling displays outside his sister’s home. These included a collection of symbolic items arranged like a shrine, along with handwritten notes and what was described as a “tarot death card” bearing references to their deceased parents.

Prosecutor Elisha Marsay said the first incident came to light on March 15, when the woman woke to find a strange display on her doorstep. Among the items were a candle, bread, a cross, a small statue, a cup of water and personal references to family members. A soft toy believed to belong to Moore was also found nearby.

Later that same day, a second arrangement appeared outside the property. This included further unusual objects such as false teeth, a toy shop helicopter and additional notes referencing their parents.

The court also heard that the woman discovered a note in her letterbox containing a derogatory insult directed at her.

Her partner gathered the items and placed them outside Moore’s address. However, Moore later shouted at his sister, telling her she needed “cleansing” and calling her “the devil”, while also making threats to kill her.

The incidents were reported to police, leading to Moore’s arrest. He has remained in custody since March 21.

In a victim statement read to the court, the woman said the ordeal had left her deeply distressed and unable to stop crying. She also expressed fears for her safety, worrying that Moore would carry out his threats if released.

Moore admitted a charge of stalking involving fear of violence, relating to his behaviour between March 14 and March 20.

The prosecution said his actions appeared to be planned and were intended to maximise fear and intimidation.

He was sentenced at Durham Crown Court, where the judge acknowledged both the seriousness of the offence and the impact it had on the victim.