IAIN GLADSTONE'S OBSESSIVE STALKING IN LLANELLI LEADS TO JAIL SENTENCE

A man from Llanelli, Iain Paul Gladstone, has been sentenced to prison after a series of persistent and unwanted messages on social media, which revealed his ongoing obsession with a former partner. This case highlights the serious consequences of breaches in restraining orders and the dangers of obsessive behavior, even after legal restrictions have been imposed.

Gladstone, aged 30, had previously been convicted of stalking in 2019 and was subsequently banned from contacting his ex or posting anything about her on social media platforms. Despite these legal restrictions, he continued to violate the order by using an Instagram account to share messages and images related to his former relationship. Among the content he posted was a photograph of an old Valentine’s card that the couple had once shared, which served as a stark reminder of his refusal to move on.

During the sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, the judge expressed concern over the obsessive nature of Gladstone’s actions. The court questioned whether he was genuinely attempting to move forward, especially considering he had a new partner at the time. The prosecution, led by Dean Pulling, revealed that Gladstone had been given a suspended prison sentence and a restraining order in 2019. This order explicitly prohibited him from making direct contact with the woman or posting anything about her on social media.

Despite these legal measures, Gladstone appeared to have disregarded the restrictions. Throughout much of 2020, he continued to send numerous messages via Instagram, professing his love, describing his emotional pain, and repeatedly asking her to contact him. His messages conveyed a sense of obsession, with him claiming that his heart was being torn apart and expressing a desire for her to reconnect.

It was only on July 27 that he posted the Valentine’s card image again, which prompted further concern. The woman, who had initially chosen not to report the messages to police due to her disillusionment with how her previous case had been handled, eventually confided in her mother. Her mother then contacted Gladstone directly, demanding he cease his actions. In response, Gladstone told her that he still loved her daughter and asked her to pass on the message that he would always be there for her, regardless of the circumstances.

Despite the intervention, the messages persisted. The woman later joined Tinder, a dating site, and it was discovered that Gladstone had also been on the platform, liking her profile. This escalation led her to report the matter to the police. When officers visited Gladstone’s residence in Bynea, where he lived with his grandfather, they found a collection of writings in his bedroom. These writings detailed his thoughts on love, his ex-partner, and their relationship, further illustrating his obsessive mindset.

During police interviews at Ammanford police station, Gladstone claimed that it was his former partner who was fixated on him, attempting to shift blame for his actions. The victim’s impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound effect the constant, unwanted contact had on her mental health. She expressed her desire for Gladstone to leave her alone so she could move forward with her life.

Gladstone, who resides on Berwick Drive in Bynea, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching the restraining order. It was also revealed that he has a lengthy criminal history, including 20 previous convictions for offenses such as sexual assault, harassment, and stalking.

Representing Gladstone, Dyfed Thomas acknowledged that his client accepted the relationship was over and understood the need to cease contact. He also mentioned that Gladstone had a new partner, whom he met on Tinder, and that he had been offered employment as a ground worker with a civil engineering company based in Cross Hands, should he remain at liberty.

Judge Geraint Walters addressed Gladstone directly, emphasizing that his obsessive behavior had caused significant harm to his victim. The court’s primary concern was whether the prison sentence was necessary to prevent further harm. Ultimately, the judge decided that Gladstone’s actions warranted a custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of his breaches and the ongoing risk posed by his conduct.