BASILDON MAN JAILED FOR STALKING EX-PARTNER
Dane Heather, a 36-year-old from Great Ranton, Pitsea, was given a 15-month prison sentence after harassing and threatening his former partner.He waited outside her work location near the Festival Business Park and then followed her along Cranes Farm Road, colliding with her vehicle and repeatedly blocking her path.
After stopping his car, Heather approached her and issued menacing threats, telling her she was “scum” and that she would face retribution.
Prosecutors explained that the June 18 incident was part of a broader pattern of troubling behavior that left the woman feeling unsafe and fearful of leaving her home.
She had been in a 12-year relationship with Heather, with whom she has a son, but her ongoing harassment led her to obtain a restraining order.
Heather appeared before Basildon Crown Court on November 13 to face charges of breach of the restraining order and dangerous driving.
Evidence presented in court showed that Heather tailgated his ex at high speed, repeatedly overtook her, and deliberately braked to block her route.
On the third such occasion, he succeeded and issued the threatening remarks.
The court also learned of previous violent incidents involving Heather, including using his car as a weapon by blocking his ex’s vehicle and ramming her bumper, as well as smashing three vehicles’ windows with a hammer outside her residence.
The woman described suffering from sleepless nights and constant anxiety, indicating her life had become very restricted, noting she only left her house for work and home due to Heather’s stalking.
She also had to change her job to avoid further harassment.
Heather’s criminal background was extensive, with 82 previous convictions, mainly for dangerous driving, drink-driving, drug-driving, uninsured driving, and driving without a license.
He also had convictions related to domestic violence, threats, criminal damage, and breaching court orders.
Despite requests from his defense for a suspended sentence, citing previous compliance and employment prospects, the judge dismissed this and emphasized Heather’s history of disregarding court orders and lack of remorse.
The judge sentenced him to 15 months in prison and imposed a driving ban lasting over two years, along with a requirement to pass an extended driving test afterwards.
