When Stalking Is Minimized: A Double Standard in the Courts
- Falsely Accused Network
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
By Michael Thompson
Founder of the Falsely Accused Network
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The recent case of Sophie Clifford—convicted of stalking and harassment—has left many of us at the Falsely Accused Network asking the same question: What would the outcome have been if the genders were reversed?
This woman lied about being pregnant to keep control over her ex, followed him to the gym, and swerved her car at him and his friend. Let’s not sugar-coat it—this was a deliberate act of intimidation that could easily have ended in serious injury or worse.
Despite this, Clifford was handed a 12-month community order and a few hundred pounds in fines. No mention of a restraining order. No prison time. No suspended sentence. Had this been a man doing the same thing to a woman, we all know the result would have been drastically different.
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A Pattern of Excuses
In court, her barrister described Clifford as a "kind, caring, gentle" woman who had been “love-bombed” and was now seeking help for her mental health. These same arguments—when made by male defendants—are often dismissed as manipulative or self-serving.
Why is emotional instability seen as a mitigating factor when a woman is the offender, but evidence of dangerousness when it’s a man?
Let’s be clear: mental health struggles are real and deserve empathy, but they cannot be used to excuse conduct that puts others at risk. If a man had driven his car toward his ex and her friend, would he be walking free the same day? Unlikely.
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The Impact on the Victim
The victim in this case said he felt unsafe, traumatised, and unable to move on with his life. He worries she’ll show up at his house and target his vulnerable father. He avoids dating. He no longer trusts people. He is living in fear.
But where is the justice? Where is the protection?
The light sentence sends a dangerous message to male victims: Your safety doesn’t matter. Your trauma isn’t serious. You’ll be expected to just get on with it.
This is not justice—it’s gender-based leniency, and it’s unacceptable.
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We Need Equal Protection Under the Law
At the Falsely Accused Network, we support many men who’ve been victims of false allegations and coercive behaviour. We’ve seen up close how the system can look the other way when the perpetrator is female. Too often, the courts focus on her “struggles” while ignoring his suffering.
But stalking is stalking—regardless of who does it. Harassment is harassment. Attempting to run someone over is not a misunderstanding; it’s a criminal offence. We cannot keep downplaying serious conduct just because it doesn’t fit the usual narrative.
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A Call for Change
It’s time to call this out for what it is: a double standard. If justice is to mean anything, it must apply equally to everyone, regardless of gender. Victims of stalking, harassment, and coercive control—male or female—deserve the same respect, protection, and recognition under the law.
Let’s stop excusing dangerous behaviour. Let’s stop treating male victims as second-class. And let’s demand a justice system that lives up to its name.
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If you’ve been falsely accused or subjected to stalking, harassment, or controlling behaviour, reach out to us at the Falsely Accused Network. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
📞 0204 538 8788
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Source:
“Obsessed stalker faked pregnancy, swerved car into ex & bombarded him with messages in relentless campaign of harassment,” The Sun, 24 July 2025.
Read the full article here
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