Ian Andrews sentenced for relentless stalking and harassment

IAN ANDREWS SENTENCED FOR RELENTLESS STALKING AND HARASSMENT

Ian Andrews, of York Terrace in Tredegar, was convicted of a relentless stalking campaign against his ex-partner after she ended their relationship.

The victim described how Andrews made her life a misery through constant harassment, including leaving flowers stolen from strangers' gardens on her car, sending gifts, and installing a tracker on her vehicle.

Prosecutor Mathew Comer told the court that Andrews would leave 'gifts' at her home and workplace, and created fake social media accounts, even using his children's profiles to contact her.

During the investigation, police found a tracker underneath her car in February.

The woman reported feeling anxious and drained, unable to go to work or leave her home without fear.

She recounted that Andrews once left white roses on her car, which he admitted to stealing from a neighbor’s garden.

Andrews had a history of similar offences, with seven previous convictions for harassment and related crimes.

His behaviour was deemed to cause maximum distress, and the court noted his actions were designed to instill fear.

Judge Celia Hughes sentenced Andrews to three years and nine months in prison with an immediate custody order and issued a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or her family.

Andrews's behaviour included uninvited visits, unwanted gifts, and frequent contact, clearly having a substantial impact on the victim’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

The court also highlighted that Andrews blamed his victims and intoxication for his actions, though his previous convictions were seen as significant aggravating factors.