Ironically, Mrs Westwater was not even on the Internet when the campaign of abuse was waged against her.

BBC: Cyberstalking: Pursued in cyber space

The 44-year-old from Newcastle, who was previously known as Phillip Westwater, was located after a member of the public recognised him from a circulated photograph, Northumbria Police said.

BBC: Phillip Whiteman

The 44-year-old, previously known as Phillip Westwater, was on a medium-secure ward at the Newcastle hospital after being detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act following a pub fight in 1989.

BBC: Philip Whiteman hospital escape to be reviewed

Mr Westwater can come across as a trifle obsessed.

ECONOMIST: California life