FORMER ARMY COLONEL AVOIDS JAIL AFTER STALKING AND TRACKING CAR OF EX-PARTNER
A retired British Army colonel, Col Terry Southwood, was sentenced after stalking his ex-partner, Ms Crossley Weir, and tracking her car, which caused her significant distress.The court heard that Southwood, aged 57, who had an extensive military career mainly in the Royal Army Medical Corps and served as the assistant chief of staff of army personnel and welfare, was involved in a series of concerning behaviors following the breakdown of his relationship.
After their relationship ended in July 2021, Southwood reacted badly to her request for space, which included drinking alcohol heavily and seeking hospital treatment.
He later sent her numerous texts, including 23 in quick succession on August 30, 2022, professing his love, and left sunflowers outside her home with a note saying he missed her.
Suspicion arose when Ms Crossley-Weir found a tracking device in her car, which Southwood admitted to placing there.
Subsequently, he sent handwritten letters and numerous texts, prompting her to seek a court order.
Despite the order, he attended the vicinity of her home twice in February 2023, actions that blatantly violated the non-molestation order and left her feeling terrified to leave her house, feeling suicidal, and suffering from severe anxiety and depression.
Southwood, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to one offence of stalking.
He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court to a 12-month community order, including 120 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation days, and was ordered to pay £500 in costs.
Judge Susan Evans acknowledged his mental health decline after the breakup but noted his current employment status and the value placed on him by his employer.
