In 2023, the Offender Database reported that Rhys Hardman, then 23, of Weates Close, Widnes, Cheshire, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison. On Friday, 10 November 2023, Hardman appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing after subjecting a woman to years of “vicious” torment, including stalking, blackmail, and impersonating a police officer.
The investigation established that Hardman befriended his victim in 2018 before becoming “obsessed.” He “vilely” created fake social media profiles, pretending to be an ex-partner, and used his knowledge of the victim’s financial situation to blackmail her into sending indecent images of herself in exchange for money she never received. When the victim attempted to withdraw from the friendship in 2021, the “despicable” harassment intensified, involving 37 different friend requests and threats to leak private photographs.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Hardman’s “vicious” behaviour culminated in July 2023 when he went to the victim’s house dressed as a police officer in a bid to obtain her phone number. To avoid detection, he “vilely” made his own complaints to the police, attempting to pervert the course of justice by framing his ex-partner. PC Meg Aspinall emphasised that Hardman had put his victim through “years of torment” and demonstrated a “reprehensible” level of obsession.
The prosecution emphasised that Hardman had “viciously” disclosed some of the victim’s personal details and photographs to strangers online. Hardman eventually pleaded guilty to blackmail, perverting the course of justice, disclosing private sexual images, stalking, and impersonating a police constable. For his crimes in Cheshire, the judge emphasised that the prolonged nature of the “vile” harassment and the “despicable” use of a police uniform warranted a significant custodial term and an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Rhys Hardman was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Seven years and eight months in immediate custody.
- CBO: An indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for a period matching his sentence (typically 10 years or more).
- Convictions: Pled guilty to blackmail, perverting the course of justice, two counts of disclosing private sexual images, two counts of stalking, and impersonating a police constable.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hardman is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cheshire Constabulary and the prison estate. Due to his “vicious” obsession and his “vile” history of using technology and disguises to harass his victim, his management is under the highest level of scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As a registered sex offender, Hardman must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his future residence. Authorities state that his indefinite CBO is a critical tool to prevent any further “vicious” contact with the victim. Any breach of his registration conditions, his indefinite CBO, or his licence terms upon release will result in his immediate arrest and return to Liverpool Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.