NORWICH FATHER THREATENED TO STAB EX IN STALKING CAMPAIGN
A man repeatedly threatened his former partner during a months-long campaign of stalking and harassment, a court heard this week.Charley Barker, 30, grabbed his former partner by the hair in March, dragging outside her home in Lowestoft while threatening: “If you didn’t have a ring doorbell camera, I would punch your head in.” On other occasions, he turned up unannounced at her address in the middle of the night and said he would pay people to watch her or even attack her, including threats to “throw acid” on her.
The court heard that Barker’s behaviour escalated after their 11-year relationship ended at the end of 2024.
The Norwich man repeatedly demanded to know her whereabouts and who she was spending time with, including during encounters when she was collecting their young son.
On one occasion in May, he told her: “Watch out.
You’re going to get stabbed.
I’m going to kill your family.” The harassment caused the victim significant distress, affecting her work and wellbeing, with the incidents taking place in front of their young child.
Barker, who gave no comment to police, later pleaded guilty to stalking and assault by beating.
Ipswich Crown Court heard on Wednesday the offences took place between March and June this year.
Judge David Pugh sentenced Barker, Elizabeth Fry Road, Norwich, to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation days, and six months of trail monitoring.
A restraining order was also imposed.
The judge noted the sentence took into account the wishes of the victim, who did not want to see her son’s relationship with his father disrupted by imprisonment.
