A prison sentence of up to five years could soon be handed down to those convicted of stalking.

A new anti-stalking bill will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says it applies to patterns of behaviour -- specifically, three acts taking place within a 12 month period.

Goldsmith says there needs to be a threshold an offender will have to cross, and there needs to be a clear message that stalking won't be tolerated and will come with consequences.

Independent Victim Advocate Ruth Money joins Kerre Woodham with more. 

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