A stalker who put a tracking device under his ex-girlfriend’s car in a desperate bid to win her back has been jailed for nearly four years 📱🚗
Ian Andrews, 39, from Tredegar, sought to “bully” the woman into going out with him again after she ended their two-year relationship. Newport Crown Court heard she had split up with him following his previous jail sentence for revenge porn against another former partner.
The defendant was found guilty by a majority verdict of 10-2 by a jury of stalking following a trial. He had bombarded the woman with messages and sent unwanted gifts including money, flowers and wine.
Prosecutor Hashim Salmman said: “This was a relentless type of stalking behaviour. The defendant targeted the victim, her family, her friends and her place of work. It was conduct to maximise distress over a prolonged period of time. Very serious alarm and distress was caused. Grossly offensive material was sent.”
In her victim impact statement, the woman revealed: “This has left me a mess – I feel anxious and drained. I was always looking over my shoulder expecting to see him.”
Defence barrister Hywel Davies conceded his client “went too far”, adding: “He finds rejection difficult – that’s obvious from the trial and his antecedent record.”
Judge Celia Hughes told Andrews: “At 39, you are not a young man. I would have hoped you would have some maturity in your relationships by now. There was a degree of planning and sophistication in your offending behaviour. This was an appalling way to behave. You blame your use of cocaine and you have a sense of entitlement. Until you change your behaviour, you will continue to be a danger to women.”
Andrews, of York Terrace, Georgetown, was jailed for three years and nine months and made subject to an eight-year restraining order. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation and a surcharge.
