TORQUAY MAN FACES JAIL AFTER STALKING DEVON POLICE COMMISSIONER
A court has heard that Gil Winfield, 48, admitted to stalking and assaulting Alison Hernandez, the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner, during their relationship.Winfield pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating and one of stalking.
The assaults included a 'backhander' slap during an argument in Ms Hernandez's car and grabbing her wrists during another row, as explained in court.
After ending the relationship, Ms Hernandez reported that Winfield continued to contact her by turning up at her house and her friends' houses, as well as sending gifts, letters, texts, and emails, despite being told to leave her alone through a solicitor's letter.
Winfield was bailed and is scheduled for sentencing on 10 September.
The judge warned him there was 'a risk of immediate imprisonment.' This case highlights the persistent stalking behavior and violence, with Winfield having previously claimed that their relationship lasted 18 months longer than Ms Hernandez suggested, which she disputes.
The court's decision comes after Winfield, of Cricketfield Road, Torquay, applied to change his pleas, but his application was refused.
