WALTHAM ABBEY MAN JAILED FOR STALKING EX-PARTNER
Ian Wren, age 51, from Stoney Bridge Drive in Waltham Abbey, persistently harassed his former partner through repeated phone calls and text messages following the end of their decade-long relationship in August 2018.He also tracked her movements and showed up uninvited at her residence and place of employment.
On one notable occasion, he followed her inside a supermarket in Brentwood and issued threats to kill both of them.
Despite receiving a letter instructing him to cease contact, Wren continued to send emails, messages, and unsolicited floral arrangements.
Authorities found a tracking device attached to her vehicle.
The victim stated, “I had to be really, really strong to deal with this and it got worse but I knew I wouldn’t give in.
It took me years to leave him.
Because it got so crazy I used to give in and go back to him so the madness would stop.
For years I did that, but this time I couldn’t.
It had been ten years and I knew I couldn’t do that forever.” noting that his cyber-stalking persisted even during police investigations.
Wren was detained twice in September 2018 and again in November 2018 but continued to make contact with her.
He failed to comply with bail conditions twice, prompting police to search for him, including issuing a public appeal for information.
On January 7, 2019, Wren was arrested again and charged with stalking that caused fear of violence, serious alarm, or distress.
He admitted to the charge on February 13, but sentencing was postponed until December 20.
He was subsequently sentenced at Basildon Crown Court to four years in prison, with a deduction for 101 days served under electronic curfew.
A restraining order was imposed for an indefinite duration.
The victim expressed gratitude, saying, “The police have been incredible, doing everything they should and more.
My family has also been very supportive, and I feel very fortunate.” Detective Inspector Karen Knibbs commented, “Wren’s campaign of harassing and threatening behaviour has had a lasting impact on his victim and is nothing short of psychological abuse.
“He continually ignored her pleas for him to stop and carried on even when he was under police investigation.
“He had absolutely no regard for the effect he was having on her, and showed a blatant disregard for the law and the judicial system.
“I would ask anyone who believes they are a victim of stalking to please tell us so we can investigate.
“There are a number of support agencies who can help if you are not willing to speak to police and I would urge you to seek help from these groups who can give the help and support needed.”
