A MAN bombarded his ex-partner with over 300 messages, sent flowers to her hotel in Lanzarote and made her ‘feel like a prisoner in her own home’ after she ended their short-term relationship, a court heard.
Mark Andrew Smith, 58, was sentenced at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty on the day of his trial to stalking without fear / alarm / distress.
The offences took place in Dalton where the victim lived.
Prosecutor Peter Kelly said the stalking behaviour began on October 30 last year when the victim sent a written message making it clear their relationship was over.
The court heard the parties were still living under the same roof in separate bedrooms at the time. They began the relationship in July 2024.
“It is clear there was substantial difficulties before that,” Mr Kelly outlined.
“She outlined her dissatisfaction with the situation. The defendant continued to speak to her in ways on WhatsApp that she found inappropriate.
“He wanted to recommence the relationship. He became upset when his overtures were not met.”
The court heard the victim went on holiday to Lanzarote with her daughter – taking the place of the defendant – when they found flowers and a personal note had been delivered to the room.
Mr Kelly said Smith had left more petals, as well as chocolates and balloons in her bedroom ready for her to return.
The court was told he was also in the process of writing her song lyrics about how he was feeling.
“She felt uncomfortable by his behaviour,” the prosecutor said.
Mr Kelly said the victim went to a hotel in Southport with another man she had met on a dating site on November 18.
Whilst she was there, the court heard the defendant rang the hotel reception. He called her a ‘cheat’, a ‘liar’ and said ‘I know what you are’.
The court heard Smith was able to ascertain where she was by using her iPad.
“She came back to the house and was unable to get into her property,” Mr Kelly continued.
“She believes he locked her out of her own home.”
In her victim impact statement, she told police: "When he was staying with me, he was obsessive.
"It made me feel ill. I dropped two stone in weight. I felt like a prisoner in my own home."
Mr Kelly said she also installed a Ring doorbell for as a CCTV system mechanism.
Smith was represented in court by solicitor Trystan Roberts.
In mitigation, Mr Roberts said: “There was some unwanted messages sent and some behaviour which he clearly regrets.
“He wants to draw a line under the matter and accepts the relationship is now over.
“It became evident the relationship was unhealthy. They were using WhatsApp to reduce the amount of contact with each other.
“He had nowhere else to go and was trying to salvage the relationship. He accepts he has gone too far.
“There was nothing sinister about him sending the flowers and having balloons ready for her return. He was expressing his love.
“He had his suspicions she was exploring a new relationship. He was upset and emotional.
“He went on the dating site where they had met and made some enquiries.
“Things were very difficult. It was an unusual situation.”
Magistrates fined Smith, of Fox Lane, Leyland, £270 for the offending and imposed a 12-month restraining order.
They also sought £250 in court costs and a £108 victim surcharge.
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