Overview
- Karl Chads was found guilty after a nine-day trial in June 2024 of stalking with fear of violence, burglary, criminal damage, and trespassing with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.
- Court reporting from the Mirror states he received eight years and three months in prison in October 2024 with lifetime sex‑offender registration, though some outlets cite a 13‑year term.
- Doorbell and CCTV footage captured Chads forcing entry to the victim’s home, where he caused extensive damage and stole her journal, following threats to rape her and kill her partner.
- Hertfordshire Constabulary says its initial handling of the case fell short and it has introduced training and wider use of Stalking Protection Orders to improve its response.
- The victim, identified as Grace Hallam, appears in Channel 4’s Catching My Stalker, speaks about the trauma with partner Daryl Richards, and notes a restraining order now restricts Chads’ contact.