Some hours ago, an article in UK’s The Telegraph caught my attention involving the case of a girl who was subjected to three-and-a-half years of living hell by an online stalker. The online stalker I am talking about is no random stranger but, actually her own boyfriend! The Telegraph is not the only newspaper that reported this story even Guardian and The Daily Mail reported it too. So did Huffington Post, Yahoo! New Zealand News and The Sun UK.
As a blogger, I have to say the Ruth Jeffery case is a case of harrassment by a nasty boyfriend gone to extreme. Being subjected to more than three years of online stalking hell is too much on Ruth. To Ruth and the Jeffery family, I am very sorry to read about the hell you had been through and I hope that justice is done on your behalf. Ruth, I want you to know that you are not alone as there are women and girls like you who have or had been through what you endured. Stay strong and remember that your story is now known to everyone around the world.
As for Shane Webber, shame on you! You got no right to harass Ruth until she became ill. You got no right to rob her of more than three years of happiness and peace just because she is pursuing a degree and doing something to better herself as a person in society. Who gives you right to abuse the internet just to break Ruth down? Shane, why don’t you put yourself in the shoes of any online stalking victim and tell me what does it feel like to be harassed and stalked in cyberspace all the time? Lastly, Shane, you are no better than a high school bully who turns to the internet to cyber bully a fellow classmate. The word sicko fits you perfectly well too.
Anyway, the Ruth and Shane case is a prime example that the law needs to get tough on online stalking (especially when nasty and controlling boyfriends are involved just like Shane Webber). Although I am not a law expert, I believe what Shane did to Ruth is considered a combination of crime and bullying. What says you about the Ruth Jeffery-Shane Webber case? Do you think that the law need to get tough on Shane and people like him? Do you believe that online stalking should be a crime just like cyber bullying? Opinions are welcomed (No profanity please, thanks!)
whatsaysyou 
Well written.
Although you took a much harder stance than I did I can’t really blame you. 3½ years of torment is almost an unthinkable burden on the poor woman.
Shane Webbers sentencing shortly will be interesting. Especially as, although he has pleaded guilty he originally pointed the finger at someone else and they had their equipment seized and searched.
Potentially, that’s mud that will stick on another innocent party.
Whatever the outcome I wish Ruth Jeffery a happy and successful life, online and off.
Thanks for your comment. I don’t mean to take a harder stance on the issue but someone needs to say something that what Shane did was unacceptable. We shall see how what kind of sentencing he gets. If he has the gall to point the finger on someone else, he is a real coward and low life. Shane Webber got in the headlines for the wrong reason as both online stalker and a bully. I too hope Ruth will move on from those three years of hell but it will take some time for her.
I most certainly believe this should be a crime! How intimidating and frightening! His psychological warfare, for that is what it is, was demeaning, controlling, outrageous and alarming. I can’t imagine living like that for 3-1/2 years! Hope he is given a lesson he will benefit and learn from.
Emotional torture eats a person alive