Ex Runcorn firefighter handed community order for stalking offence

EX RUNCORN FIREFIGHTER HANDED COMMUNITY ORDER FOR STALKING OFFENCE

Anthony Conroy, of Latham Avenue, Runcorn, repeatedly turned up uninvited at the home and workplace of his victim, waiting outside until she had finished work, a court has heard.

The 35-year-old, formerly employed as a firefighter at Runcorn Fire Station, appeared before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 4 October.

He admitted one charge of stalking without causing fear, alarm or distress.

The court was told that the incidents began on 27 January this year, when Conroy went to the victim’s home in Wigan without being invited.

He then blocked her vehicle in what was described as “an attempt to speak to her.” Later that day, he followed her to her workplace, again trying to initiate contact.

Despite her lack of response, Conroy persisted, returning the following day, 28 January, to her place of work.

On that occasion, the court heard he stood next to her car and waited for her to finish her shift.

When his presence was once again unwelcome, he escalated matters by positioning himself in front of her car door, apparently to prevent her from leaving.

Conroy, who had also worked as an emergency medical technician for the Northwest Ambulance Service, was sentenced to 26 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days and fined £480.

In addition, magistrates issued a one-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the victim.