O’Brien’s victim, BBC weather presenter Alexis Green, spoke out on television about the “horrendous” harassment case she has had to deal with over the last few months.

She decided to go public about her experience to help others.

At times throughout her ordeal she couldn’t sleep, it affected her health and she even thought about quitting her job.

Alexis Green said that being on the television she felt she could help others by being the voice of the people and wanted to give others in the same situation the confidence that going forward it is possible to “get a result and get a sentencing and get a restraining order.”

In the interview she said there are lots of people going through this kind of experience and that it’s not just women who are stalked or harassed. It’s men too.

She said social media companies had a lot to answer for and laws need to be put in place to prevent this from happening further to innocent people.

O’Brien, 55, of Athelstan Road pleaded guilty to harassment at Southampton Magistrates Court on 22 February.

The court heard how between 18 December 2022 and 24 January 2023, O’Brien sent the victim 115 messages, 13 photos, and 33 videos via Facebook messenger.

The messages contained sexually explicit comments towards the victim, and in some of the videos he appeared to be naked.

On 15 March, O’Brien received 17 weeks imprisonment and was given an indefinite restraining order.

Speaking after the hearing, DC Lydia Davies said: “O’Brien’s conduct over this period caused considerable distress to the victim.

“His behaviour was completely unacceptable and I hope this case assures people that we take harassment very seriously and we will take action.

“We urge anyone who has been a victim of stalking or harassment to report it to us. We understand it may be difficult, but we take these crimes seriously and victims will be supported throughout.

“We will continue to work hard through Hampshire’s Multi-Agency Stalking Clinic to ensure everything is being done to protect victims and stop this behaviour.”

To report an incident, call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

The National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, offers information and guidance to anybody in the UK who is or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking. You can contact their helpline on 0808 802 0300.