A man who threatened to kill an Elmbridge resident after meeting her online has been jailed.

Antonio Dimasi, 40-years-old, of Newington Butts, Lambeth, threatened to kill the Elmbridge resident, a woman in her 30s, and harm police officers who stood in his way after she told him they could not be together.

He appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday (October 2).

Mr Dimasi was handed a 20-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to stalking.

After meeting online, the pair met in person for two dates and spoke about the woman’s interest in investing in property in Spain.

Police described how the woman started to feel uncomfortable with Dimasi after he was first introduced to her daughter when they went out for a meal together.

She decided to meet with Dimasi one more time and this time, did not bring her daughter along.

They met for a date on May 25, and the following day, the woman sent Dimasi a message to say that although she enjoyed his company, they could not be together.

This is when Dimasi’s behaviour spiralled out of control and he would not take no for an answer.

Investigating Officer, Police Constable India Page of the Safeguarding Investigation Unit at Staines, described some of the criminal's behaviour that led to his jailing.

"Dimasi’s behaviour towards his victim escalated very quickly. He tried to threaten her and her daughter by saying he knew where they lived, and where her daughter went to school.

"Dimasi then tried to frighten her by saying he may have pumped something inside the oranges in their house and that her daughter might feel sick after eating them. Between 26 May and when we arrested him on May 27, Dimasi had sent the woman 1001 text messages.

"The woman was extremely brave to come forward and report this to the police, we were able to arrest Dimasi and charge him with Section 4A Stalking involving fear or violence, and remand him until his sentencing today," PC Page said.

"Stalking has a huge impact on victims and they can become hyper-vigilant, extremely fearful and anxious.

"This is not ok, and all victims have the right to go about their daily business in safety and without fear," she added.