BEN ASQUITH LITTLE – BARNSLEY

A man from Darfield has been sentenced after admitting to stalking a woman over a sustained period, in a case that has raised concerns about persistent harassment and victim safety.

Ben Little, appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to a single charge of stalking. The offence took place between 12 November and 27 November, during which time he repeatedly targeted a female victim in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

The case was first reported as part of a court round-up published on 6 December 2025, which confirmed that Little had admitted the offence and had been granted bail ahead of sentencing. He later returned to court on 5 January 2026, where the full details of his sentence were handed down.

Magistrates heard that Little’s behaviour over the two-week period amounted to stalking, a criminal offence involving repeated and unwanted contact or actions that cause distress or fear to another person. While specific details of the conduct were not fully disclosed in the summary, the charge reflects a pattern of behaviour rather than a single isolated incident.

Following his guilty plea, Little was sentenced to a community order, which included a rehabilitation requirement of approximately 15 to 20 days, aimed at addressing his behaviour. In addition to this, he was ordered to pay financial penalties, including £85 in court costs as well as a victim surcharge.

Stalking offences are taken seriously within the criminal justice system, particularly due to the impact they can have on victims’ mental health, safety, and day-to-day lives. Authorities continue to encourage individuals experiencing harassment or unwanted contact to report incidents early, as patterns of behaviour can escalate if left unaddressed.

This case highlights the ongoing importance of awareness around stalking offences and the need for continued monitoring and intervention to protect victims and prevent further harm.