A finance worker has been spared jail after admitting to a year-long stalking campaign against a friend with whom she fell out during a challenging hike. Louise Heseltine, 48, bombarded Sally Bisset with unwanted calls, texts, and emails, and made unannounced visits to her home between July 2024 and May 2025.
The harassment began after Ms. Bisset decided to end contact with Heseltine following the completion of the 'Three Peaks Challenge,' a 25-mile hike involving ascents of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Ms. Bisset stated that during the hike, she realized her and Heseltine's views and interests did not align well.
Despite Ms. Bisset's attempts to disengage and distance herself, Heseltine struggled to accept the sudden cessation of contact, describing Ms. Bisset as a 'mean girl' in communications. Heseltine continued to reach out, seeking to discuss matters, even when Ms. Bisset made it clear the contact was unwanted. In one email sent in January 2025, Heseltine wrote, "I'll risk a restraining order to build a bridge," acknowledging her awareness that her behavior was unwelcome.
In a victim personal statement read to Harrogate Magistrates' Court, Ms. Bisset described experiencing a "fixated and obsessive pattern of behaviour" and feeling "completely disrespected and helpless" as her wishes were ignored. She also reported experiencing "emotional fatigue" due to the need to be hyper-vigilant.
During mitigation, Heseltine's solicitor explained that the friendship, which began in 2022, had become very close, with the pair seeing each other regularly and engaging in activities like visiting wine bars and hiking. Heseltine reportedly struggled with the abrupt end to the friendship, questioning if she had done something wrong.
It was alleged that Heseltine went to Unity Gym, a place Ms. Bisset was a member of, as well as Ms. Bisset's home, in an attempt to make contact. Heseltine was fined £1,272 and received a 12-month restraining order, prohibiting her from contacting Ms. Bisset, entering the street where Ms. Bisset lives, or posting about the former friend or court case on social media.