Bishop Auckland man sentenced for stalking ex wife after marriage breakdown

BISHOP AUCKLAND MAN SENTENCED FOR STALKING EX WIFE AFTER MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN

A terrified woman woke to find her ex-husband standing over her bed, begging her to take him back.

In a series of incidents in the month following Valentine’s Day last year, Andrew Ross, 51, of Proudfoot Drive in Bishop Auckland, stalked the woman after their marriage ended.

He initially admitted to stalking but later changed his plea and failed to attend his trial, resulting in a conviction in his absence.

Ross’s actions included talking his way into a bingo event on February 14, 2024, sitting in a corner drinking before approaching his wife.

He refused to leave when asked by her friends.

Days later, he blocked her path at a hairdresser’s appointment and showed up at her home saying he wanted to "talk this out." The following day, she found him standing over her in her bed, having gained entry through a window, and he begged her to reconcile.

He also sent her messages on Snapchat, Facebook, and WhatsApp, urging her not to block him.

The court heard that Ross had been drinking and using drugs during these incidents, which impaired his judgment.

In her impact statement, the victim described feeling scared and having to change her routines, moving away from her home and leaving her job.

Ross was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 21 months, and ordered to attend 30 rehab activity days and abstain from alcohol for three months.

A restraining order was also imposed for five years.