MAN HANDED SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER BREACHING RESTRAINING ORDER BY HIDING UNDER EX'S BEDDING
Police officers discovered a man hiding beneath bedding at his former partner's residence, despite the existence of a restraining order.
The order had been issued after Darren Mountford was incarcerated for an assault last year.
His ex-girlfriend reached out to him during a period of mental distress, seeking comfort, which prompted her to contact him.
Authorities responded, and Mountford, aged 47, was detained after being found concealed under bedding at the property.
During the hearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, it was not revealed who notified the police.
Prosecutor Helen Shipley stated: "He is prohibited from any contact with the victim and from visiting any address where she is believed to be residing." She added: "The victim had invited the defendant for support because her mother was away and she was upset, expressing dislike for him but feeling she needed someone to help her emotionally." "She did not call the police; this was a deliberate violation of the restraining order." According to Sarah Bedford, who represented Mountford, he "caused no harm or distress" during the incident.
She explained: "The victim herself wanted him there and had invited him over because he supports her mental health and helps prevent her from self-harming." "Police officers noted she was highly distressed upon their arrival." "Mr.
Mountford has not received consistent support or intervention from probation authorities concerning his past conduct." "He may not fully recognize some of his statements or actions that are unhealthy in a relationship." "Their relationship is currently on hold.
He is employed and willing to cooperate with probation services to address his attitudes towards relationships." Mountford received a sentence of 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to pay £239 in costs after admitting to breaching the restraining order.
Magistrate Ian Jones remarked: "A restraining order is intended to protect both you and the victim." "This is your second violation of such an order, with 12 months remaining on it."
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
and willing to cooperate with probation services to address his attitudes towards relationships." Mountford received a sentence of 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay 239 in costs after admitting to br...
Court order
Police officers discovered a man hiding beneath bedding at his former partner's residence, despite the existence of a restraining order
Court order
Prosecutor Helen Shipley stated: "He is prohibited from any contact with the victim and from visiting any address where she is believed to be residing." She added: "The victim had invited the defendant for support because her mother was away and she was upset, expressing dislike for him but feeling she needed someone to help her emotionally." "She did not call the police; this was a deliberate violation of the restraining order." According to Sarah Bedford, who represented Mountford, he "caused no harm or distress" during the incident
Suspended sentence
two years
He is employed and willing to cooperate with probation services to address his attitudes towards relationships." Mountford received a sentence of 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years
Court order
He was also ordered to pay 239 in costs after admitting to breaching the restraining order
Fine or payment
He was also ordered to pay 239 in costs after admitting to breaching the restraining order
Court order
12 months
Magistrate Ian Jones remarked: "A restraining order is intended to protect both you and the victim." "This is your second violation of such an order, with 12 months remaining on it."
