STALKER JAILED FOR CAMPAIGN OF HARASSMENT AGAINST EX-PARTNER
Anthony Glen subjected his partner to years of abuse, including defacing a wall near her home with offensive graffiti branding her a “big slag.” Teesside Crown Court was told that the harassment became so relentless during a period of separation that the victim felt it was “easier to be with him” and resumed the relationship to escape the pressure.Prosecutor Annelise Haugstad said the couple had been in an on-and-off relationship over several years, which finally came to an end earlier this year.
“The victim has made repeated attempts to end the relationship with this defendant,” she told the court.
“She is now receiving support from a domestic violence advocate due to the abuse she has endured.” The relationship began in 2013 but they parted ways in 2017.
Despite the separation, Glen maintained contact on a daily basis, sending texts and making calls.
He also appeared uninvited at her mother’s house and at several of her workplaces.
“She struggled to maintain employment as a result of the defendant’s behaviour at her places of work,” said Miss Haugstad.
In 2018, she returned to the relationship.
“She couldn’t cope with his behaviour any longer and felt that re-entering the relationship was easier than dealing with his conduct from the outside,” the prosecutor explained.
Glen displayed controlling tendencies, preventing her from seeing friends and family.
He interfered with her ability to work and made threats of self-harm or suicide whenever she attempted to leave.
The final breakdown occurred in June this year, after a physical assault in Darlington town centre.
Glen had continued to harass her, prompting multiple police reports, and ultimately culminating in the violent incident.
The court was informed that Glen already had a prior conviction for harassing a different former partner.
Glen, of Forster Street, Darlington, admitted to charges of stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
In mitigation, Robert Mochrie told the court: “The defendant accepts that there is only one type of sentence appropriate in this case.
It is now merely a matter of determining the length.” Recorder Marco Giuliani handed down a custodial sentence of three years and six months.
