TREE SURGEON WHO STALKED EX-PARTNER AND THREATENED TO BURN HER HOUSE DOWN JAILED FOR 20 MONTHS
A jilted ex threatened to burn his victim's house down as he sent her a picture standing outside her home.David Harrop, 20, then challenged her father and brother "to come outside for a fight." He claimed he would "get some lads around with a shotgun" and that they would stab her father and burn her car.
Harrop admitted he was under the influence of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, when making these threats on June 2 and 3.
The victim and her family were left terrified about what Harrop might do to them.
The court heard that the following day, the victim heard a loud bang at home in Darlington and believed she saw Harrop outside with a knife.
She left with her dad, and Harrop threatened to stab her father.
The next day, he sent threatening messages to his ex-partner, vowing to stab her.
Harrop was in a relationship with the victim for two years, and the threats escalated after their breakup.
He was arrested and pleaded guilty to stalking involving fear of violence from June 1 to 2.
He was remanded in custody.
In court, the victim expressed her desire to cease contact, stating that he had escalated his abusive behavior.
Her father reported feeling scared, anxious, and constantly checking the windows.
Mitigation was presented by Canain Lonsdale, citing that Harrop's emotions were high due to his difficult childhood, which involved drug use from age 12 and leaving school in Year 8.
Harrop worked as a tree surgeon before the offences.
He attended a behaviour management course and apologized, citing struggles with anxiety.
Judge Nicholas Lumley sentenced Harrop to 20 months in prison and imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or her family.
