SWINDON STALKER WHO LEFT EX AND KIDS IN FEAR AVOIDS JAIL
A man who stalked the mother of his baby, leaving her and her children in fear for their safety, has avoided jail.Ben Lynch, 37, of Prospero Way, pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm and distress at Swindon Magistrates' Court on May 20, and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.
On June 17, he appeared again in court, with evidence that Lynch had bombarded his ex-partner with unwanted emails, calls, texts, and gifts, as well as loitering around her home between December 1, 2023, and June 12, 2024.
Prosecutor Ms.
Winters described how the victim had significantly changed her daily routine after Lynch's persistent attempts, including sending her flowers and posting pictures of her on Facebook, declaring his love even after their relationship ended.
The victim had to install a Ring doorbell and buy additional locks for her gates.
Her son began carrying a foam baseball bat to protect himself and his mum.
"I overthink everything now, I feel really on edge," the victim stated in a personal impact statement.
She also expressed her desire to move due to feeling unsafe at her home.
A neighbor supported her, noting Lynch's uninvited visits to sit outside and intimidate her.
The victim, who shares a one-year-old son with Lynch, still allows visitation but fears her ex might use the child as a weapon.
She feels it's "horrible and heart-breaking" to hand over her son and is scared of what Lynch is capable of.
Mitigation from Lynch's defense stated he had complied with bail conditions for a year, had moved on with another partner, and was remorseful.
He had undertaken talking therapies to understand the impact of his actions.
Before sentencing, the magistrate noted Lynch's previous persistent messaging to the victim’s friend, where he was 'love bombing' her.
The court viewed his behavior as fixated and lacking understanding of its impact.
Lynch was sentenced to an eight-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 15 rehabilitation activity days and 120 hours of unpaid work in 12 months.
A two-year restraining order was imposed, plus a surcharge of £187 and costs of £85.
