An unlimited injunction has been granted against Robert Stephenson Maltman, 77, of The Parade, Donaghadee, for harassing an 89-year-old woman with dementia. District Judge Ruth Collins described him as having 'deeply concerning parasitic tendencies' during a hearing on January 26, citing a social worker's report that labelled him a 'dangerous individual'. The defendant's legal team consented to the order under the Protection from Harassment (NI) Order 1987.

The case was brought by the woman's daughter, Michelle Brooks, following a High Court Office of Care and Protection ruling in May 2025 that her mother was incapable of managing her property and affairs due to mental disorder. Brooks reported Maltman promising romance to her mother, attempting to gain controllership of her finances, and obtaining her passport, bank details, clothes, and keys to a former apartment containing money and jewellery.

The local Health Trust expressed concerns over the woman's safety. Police retrieved items from Maltman's home after a social worker's alert. Brooks also detailed an incident where Maltman punched a family member, resulting in a police Community Resolution Notice, and suspected a third party monitoring her mother on his behalf.

Maltman has a prior stalking conviction from Ards Magistrates' Court in 2024, receiving a two-year conditional discharge. Judge Collins warned him that any contact, direct or indirect, would constitute contempt of court and lead to immediate imprisonment.

Following the case, the PSNI plans to contact care homes and banks to raise awareness of grooming risks to elderly vulnerable women, described locally as a trend. Brooks stated her mother has been moved to a secure dementia unit. The PSNI declined to comment on Maltman.