JEALOUS GREENOCK CREEP SPENT THREE YEARS STALKING HIS EX
A man from Greenock who stalked his former partners over a period of three years has been criticized by a judge for his abusive, controlling, and coercive actions but has avoided imprisonment.Craig Sorrell, aged 50, caused distress to two women through a pattern of harassment that included constant phone calls and driving past their homes.
His campaign of intimidation against one victim lasted from early 2017 to the end of 2019, while his targeting of the second victim, another former partner, occurred between May 2022 and June 2023.
In court, it was stated that Sorrell made ten phone calls to the first woman when she was at the cinema with a new partner and would pass her residence regularly without reason.
His attempts to control the second woman involved discouraging her from socializing and arguing with her when she did.
The prosecutor highlighted that Sorrell’s behavior intensified her anxiety, especially as he exhibited jealousy over her friendships with men.
His actions included emotional and psychological abuse, such as interrogating her and cutting off communication.
Further, Sorrell repeatedly called his second victim while she was out with friends, inquiring about her companions and her alcohol intake.
After she ended the relationship in December 2022 and blocked him via WhatsApp, he left messages expressing love and pleas for reconciliation, insisting he loved her and needed her.
Despite their separation in March 2023, Sorrell continued to send emails asking for another chance, attempting to emotionally manipulate her.
The judge, Sheriff James Varney, acknowledged the serious impact of Sorrell's conduct, noting the psychological harm caused to both women.
Although Sorrell has no prior convictions and is employed full-time, he faces health issues and personal stresses, including his parents' ill health.
His behavior has had significant psychological effects, and the court emphasized the lasting nature of these impacts.
Instead of prison, Sorrell was sentenced to a community payback order.
He must be supervised for two years, undertake 150 hours of unpaid work by April next year, and wear a tag under a restriction of liberty order, requiring him to stay at home from 8am to 6pm for 30 weeks.
Additionally, non-harassment orders prohibit him from contacting either of his victims for five years.
