A man who stalked a woman from inside a Northamptonshire prison, including sending letters using other inmates' names, has been jailed for more than three years.

According to Northamptonshire Police, Ben Fox, aged 25, repeatedly contacted the woman while incarcerated at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough.

Police said the stalking took place between February 21 and May 15 this year, with Fox sending letters to her home, making telephone calls and sending messages.

He also used other people to contact her indirectly, a spokesperson said.

Northamptonshire Police said Fox sometimes sent letters under fellow prisoners' names after the woman had blocked him from contacting her.

The woman reported his behaviour to police, who subsequently charged Fox with stalking involving serious alarm or distress.

Fox pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court in August and returned for sentencing on September 23, police said in a statement released on October 23. He was jailed for three years and three months and made subject to a restraining order preventing contact with the victim for ten years.

PC Nathaniel Foster, from Northamptonshire Police's Prison Crime Team, said: "Ben Fox showed a complete disregard for the victim and the impact his persistent and unwanted behaviour was having on her.

"Despite being in prison, he continued to find ways to contact and intimidate her, causing significant distress.

"Stalking can have a devastating effect on victims, leaving them feeling frightened and constantly on edge."

PC Foster praised the woman for coming forward and supporting the investigation.

He added: "We take all reports of stalking and domestic abuse seriously and hope this sentence sends a clear message that this type of offending will not be tolerated."

The officer also commended the victim's courage in reporting the unwanted contact despite the distress caused by Fox's persistent behaviour.