2002: BUILDER JAILED FOR HARASSING EX-WIFE
A construction worker who violated a court order prohibiting him from harassing his former wife has been sentenced to six months in prison.David Sloan, aged 47, sent letters that contained subtle threats and indicated that a confrontation was imminent if he learned she had remarried and was expecting a child.
The sentencing occurred at Worcester Crown Court after Sloan was found guilty by Kidderminster magistrates of breaching a restraining order.
Prosecutor Paul Whitfield explained that Sloan's marriage ended in 1996, and he was granted limited access to his son, 13, and daughter, 11.
Despite this, Sloan persisted in bothering his ex-wife Gail, who had relocated with her children to a different part of the town.
She found herself feeling vulnerable due to the intimidating tone of his correspondence, and her children appeared shaken and distressed upon seeing their father.
Sloan told police he did not intend harm through his visits but was startled by her re-marriage, which prompted his controversial statements about “war”.
His lawyer, Catherine Rowlands, clarified that Sloan’s comments were meant as a reference to legal proceedings, not any physical threat.
Sloan has since started a new relationship, and his partner offers emotional support for feelings he previously suppressed.
Deputy Judge Thomas Dillon QC remarked that Sloan, of Barn Owl Place, Kidderminster, had difficulty accepting the changes in his relationship with his wife, but emphasized that the restraining order was put in place to prevent harassment, which Sloan had violated.
