APPLEBY FROM SHEPTON MALLET SENTENCED FOR STALKING EX-LOVER IN COURT HEARING

A 29-year-old man named Appleby, hailing from Shepton Mallet, has been officially convicted of stalking his former partner following the end of their brief relationship. The couple had only been together for a mere two months before they parted ways, but Appleby’s inability to accept the breakup led to a series of persistent and invasive behaviors that caused significant distress to his ex-partner.

According to court records, Appleby continued to harass his ex despite their separation. His actions included following her movements, sending her messages from a newly created Facebook account, and monitoring her daily commute to work. He also made repeated phone calls to her immediately after her shifts, demonstrating a clear pattern of obsessive behavior. On one particularly troubling night, he rang her 13 times in succession, and even after she asked him to stop, he called her four more times, showing a blatant disregard for her wishes.

In addition to these actions, Appleby sent her messages that expressed feelings of shame and self-hatred, and even discussed thoughts of suicide. These messages revealed a troubled state of mind and added to the emotional toll on his victim. The incident that brought him before the court occurred when he visited her address after a brief reconciliation, which she had hoped would be temporary. Witnesses reported that Appleby refused to leave her property when asked, stating that he intended to stay outside her house. He also declared his intention to remain there and continued to call her multiple times, further escalating the situation.

The victim’s personal statement detailed the profound impact Appleby’s actions had on her well-being. She described feeling overwhelmed by stress, to the point where she could no longer eat properly. Her fear of being outside increased to such an extent that she stopped answering her door and avoided walking in public places altogether. She expressed her desire to be free from his harassment and to live her life without fear or interference.

During the court proceedings at Somerset Magistrates Court in Yeovil, Appleby admitted to pursuing a course of conduct that amounted to stalking. He claimed that his intentions were not malicious and expressed remorse, stating that he wanted to apologize. He also voiced concern about the potential impact a restraining order might have on his new employment in the area.

In sentencing, the court imposed a two-year community order on Appleby. This order includes 120 hours of unpaid work, the requirement to attend 10 Rehabilitation Activity Days, and a fine of £85 along with a victim surcharge of £114. Furthermore, a five-year restraining order was issued, explicitly prohibiting him from making any contact with his ex-partner, whether directly or indirectly. He is also barred from visiting her home or workplace during this period, and he must adhere to these conditions for the next five years to prevent further harassment.