JASON HOWE FROM SEAHAM SENTENCED FOR STALKING AND THREATS AGAINST EX-PARTNER

A man named Jason Howe, residing in Murton, Seaham, has been sentenced to prison after a prolonged and disturbing campaign of stalking, threats, and intimidation directed at his former partner. The series of events culminated in Howe's arrest in May of the previous year, following a covert operation involving a GPS tracker placed on the woman’s vehicle during her working hours.

On that day, the woman noticed suspicious activity and promptly alerted the police. The authorities responded swiftly, and Howe was apprehended after he inadvertently followed an unmarked police vehicle that was transporting the recovered tracker to Seaham Police Station. This incident marked the end of months of relentless harassment that began shortly after Howe and his partner separated in December 2023.

Throughout the months that followed, Howe engaged in a campaign of intimidation and threats. He bombarded his ex-partner with aggressive phone calls and text messages, in which he made alarming and violent threats. He explicitly stated his intentions to harm her, including threats to throw acid in her face, ram her vehicle off the road, and set fire to her home as well as the homes of her friends and family. Howe’s obsession extended beyond verbal threats; he would frequently appear unannounced at her residence to check her whereabouts and at her workplace, where he threatened to blow up a staff member’s car.

In April 2024, Howe was issued a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) designed to prevent him from making any contact with his ex-partner. Despite this legal restriction, Howe blatantly ignored the order. Instead, he manipulated his teenage daughter into contacting the woman on his behalf, further demonstrating his controlling and coercive behavior.

He faced charges of stalking and engaging in controlling and coercive behavior. Initially, Howe denied the allegations, but during court proceedings, he changed his plea to guilty. He was remanded into custody pending sentencing, which took place at Teesside Crown Court on March 17. The court sentenced Howe to three years and four months in prison. Additionally, a restraining order was imposed, barring him from any form of contact with the woman.

The victim, in a heartfelt statement, expressed her fears and concerns about Howe’s potential release. She said, “I have serious concerns that should Jason be released he will make an attempt to kill myself or my family. I feel like I will always be looking over my shoulder, and that if he doesn’t exact his revenge, he will get someone to do so on his behalf.”

Detective Constable Dan Travis, who led the investigation from Peterlee CID, described Howe as a “violent, cowardly and controlling bully” who carried out an “appalling campaign of stalking and harassment.” He emphasized the impact on the victim, stating that Howe’s actions left her living in genuine fear for her life. Detective Travis expressed satisfaction that Howe had been brought to justice and was now behind bars where he belongs.

He also praised the victim for her bravery in reporting Howe’s behavior and maintaining her dignity throughout the legal process. The detective urged others experiencing similar situations to seek help, regardless of how minor they might perceive the harassment. He reassured that police and partner agencies are committed to investigating and supporting victims, offering safeguarding, support, and reassurance. He advised anyone experiencing stalking to contact police on 101 or call 999 in emergencies.