Postal pervert targets second victim

For five years the man has sent sexually explicit messages and pictures of his private parts to a seriously ill woman in her late 40s.

After police highlighted the case in January a second woman in the same area told them that also receives the sick letters and cards.

Police believe crank mail sent to other women who came forward was the work of other authors.

Detective Sergeant Denise Pearn, of Durham City CID, said: "I want this person to stop. Lady number one is taking it really badly and it is having a dramatic effect on her and her health. Stop it now before it goes any further."

The first victim, who lives on the outskirts of Durham, suffered for years before reporting it.

She spoke exclusively to The Northern Echo of how she felt she had "mentally raped" by her ordeal.

The other recipient is in her early 40s and lives in another part of the city, but there appears to be no link between the two and the author.

Police thought Press reports had curbed the writer's activities, particularly as there were no Valentine's Day messages, but on Monday the first victim received a photograph of the man's naked lower body.

A note in blue ink said: "Best wishes (woman's name), from a friend and admira" (sic).

Det Sgt Pearn said the second woman received identical thought to be from the same man. "She has been getting this material for the last 12 to 18 months but hasn't received as much. She is obviously distressed but she hasn't got a serious health problem.

"I feel sure there will be other ladies out there receiving this sort of thing but maybe embarrassed or afraid to come forward.

"They can speak to me directly in the strictest confidence, I would appeal for them to come forward."

The mail is usually postmarked Teesside or Darlington.

Det Sgt said there was no evidence the man was stalking, or trying to make physical contact with, his victims.

Victims, or anyone with information, should call her on 0191-386 4222 or 0191-375 2808.