STALKING is a hideous crime which blights individual lives and leaves a legacy of fear. We have stated before that proper legislation is vital to combat stalkers, and backed wholeheartedly local MP Janet Anderson's attempts to get such a bill through Parliament.

The fact that her move failed is even more frustrating in the wake of the latest case. Van driver Dennis Chambers bombarded restaurant manager Margaret Bent with phone calls and followed her to work for four years.

In court, however, he was found not guilty of grievous bodily harm after Judge Quentin Campbell said his actions did not amount to a criminal offence.

In May, the Government promised a crackdown on stalking. But, as campaigners are still pointing out, nothing has happened and this nasty situation continues. No individual has the right to damage the lifestyle of another, and it is certainly a crime that the Government has not given anti-stalking plans urgent action.

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