New documentary shines light on stalking
A Cork victim is set to feature in a new documentary airing next week which shines a light on the devastating impact of stalking in Ireland.
Youghal resident Una Ring was subjected to months of terrifying harassment in 2020 at the hands of her former work colleague James Steele.
After a prolonged campaign of terror which included spray painting her windows and car tires and leaving threatening notes at her door, Mr Steele was finally arrested while attempting to break into Ms Ring’s home armed with a rope, a crowbar, a dildo, and duct tape.
Mr Steele was jailed in 2021 and is currently serving a seven-year sentence.
Ms Ring, a mother of two, has said she fears that Mr Steele could show up at her home again once released.
Ms Ring will be one of three victims to give gripping first-hand accounts of their ordeals in the new ground-breaking documentary ‘STALKED’ which airs on Virgin Media One this Monday evening.
The documentary follows the introduction of new criminal offences for stalking in Ireland which came into force in November last year. The new offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
According to figures revealed in the film, reports to gardaí of stalking have more than doubled in recent years.
‘STALKED’ will also feature insights from Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, and leading psychologist Dr Ronan McIvor.
Galway victim Eve McDowell will also be sharing her story with viewers. She was stalked by Igor Lewandoski while studying in first year at University of Galway which culminated in a terrifying break-in with a hammer. The documentary picks up with Ms McDowell as her stalker is released from prison.
Dublin native Jarlath Rice will share his horrifying story which started with a short fling but turned into a decade long campaign of relentless stalking by Lina Tantash which left him on the brink of suicide. In an effort to make a fresh start, Mr Rice fled Ireland only to be followed by his stalker who was finally arrested by an armed response unit in Brighton, UK.
The doc states that international research suggests up to one in six men experience stalking in their life time. ‘STALKED’ will air on Virgin Media One this Monday 12 February at 9pm.