Met detective convicted of stalking ex-partner Stephanie Lane

A Metropolitan Police detective has been convicted of stalking his former partner after an eight-week campaign of harassment following their breakup. Timothy Fory, 34, was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday to a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a 15-day rehabilitation requirement.

The court also imposed a five-year restraining order, banning Fory from contacting Stephanie Lane directly or indirectly. He was ordered to pay £775 in fines, plus a £114 statutory surcharge. Fory, who had served in the force for four years, remains suspended from duty on full pay pending an accelerated misconduct hearing.

Messages and social media harassment

The court heard that Fory and Lane, both detectives, had a brief relationship before splitting in July 2024. Lane told the court she ended the relationship because Fory was not respecting her boundaries. After the breakup, Fory sent her persistent messages on WhatsApp, including a link to an Ann Summers lingerie website.

When Lane replied, "I’m starting to think you’ve not registered that we’re not seeing each other anymore," Fory continued his attempts to contact her. After being blocked on WhatsApp, he switched to Instagram and Facebook. Prosecutor George Crivelli told the court that Fory also followed Lane at a social event, staying close to her wherever she went.

After being blocked on all platforms, Fory contacted Lane’s ex-partner, Joshua Gray, on Instagram. Crivelli described the message as sent "out of pure spitefulness and perhaps desperation."

Impact on Lane and court response

Lane submitted a victim impact statement to the court, describing Fory as "spiteful" and "vindictive." She said his actions left her "anxious, nervous and on edge," causing her to lose sleep, weight, and constantly look over her shoulder. The court heard that Fory denied stalking without causing fear, alarm or distress, but was convicted after a trial last month.

District Judge Caroline Jackson told Fory his behaviour was "worrying" and that it only stopped because Lane blocked him on social media. She said, "I am saddened that you still don’t appreciate and understand the impact of your conduct." The judge noted that Fory, as a police officer, was in a "position of trust" and should have been aware of the consequences of his actions.

What happens next

Fory’s defence lawyer, Miranda Zeffman, said he has no previous convictions and is now looking to work in the construction industry. The Metropolitan Police confirmed he faces an accelerated misconduct hearing, though no date has been set. Fory remains suspended on full pay until the hearing concludes.