Birmingham teacher filmed in stalking ordeal

Apr 4 2008 Exclusive, By James Cartledge

POLICE are investigating a sinister harassment campaign against a Birmingham teacher.

Officers were called in after it emerged the woman's movements were being captured on a camcorder by a driver hiding outside her home.

A car she travelled in was also followed and allegations about her private life were anonymously sent to governors at the north Birmingham school where she works.

The teacher, who lives in the same area, would not discuss her ordeal in detail but claimed a bitter ex-boyfriend, whom she would not name, was making her life a misery.

Council education chiefs would not comment but West Midlands Police confirmed a 58-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment on February 3. He is now on bail.

The dossier built up on the teacher included DVDs which showed her arriving and leaving her home.

Some shots contained a commentary in which the cameraman referred to people he filmed as "targets".

Parts of the footage were clearly shot from a vehicle with its engine running. At other times, the cameraman appeared to be hiding behind undergrowth to avoid detection.

Surveillance logs charting the times of her movements were compiled by so-called "operatives" on three dates last June and September.

Two referred to attempts to follow cars.

A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: "As this matter is currently being investigated by the police we cannot make any further comment."