STALKER SUBJECTED EX AND HER MUM TO '26 DAYS OF UTTER NIGHTMARE'
A persistent and aggressive stalker caused significant distress to his former partner in Birmingham by repeatedly appearing at her residence.James Cosnett, who had previously ignored a court order, also engaged in threatening and hostile phone calls.
During a court hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Cosnett, with a long criminal history consisting of 23 convictions for 75 offences, had only a brief relationship with his ex-partner, which had ended swiftly.
He was found guilty of assault and received a suspended sentence, along with an indefinite restraining order issued on October 26, 2021, which prohibited any contact with her or her mother.
Despite the restraining order, Cosnett violated it two months later on December 6 by visiting her home in Acocks Green at around 4 pm, prompting her to call the police.
He left but returned twice more on the same day, entering her back garden and shouting through the door, demanding entry.
During these incidents, he broke a window and damaged a Christmas tree.
Between December 10 and 13, he continued to harass her through phone calls, which she attempted to ignore, but was later followed by aggressive voicemails filled with threats.
On Christmas Eve, he showed up again, demanding to be let in, and his former partner became terrified he might force his way inside.
The victim’s brother intervened at one point, asking Cosnett to leave, after which Cosnett drove at him and struck him in the shins.
Another incident on New Year’s Eve led to police involvement.
The victim described her ordeal as causing anxiety and insomnia, stating that Cosnett had 'terrorised' her and her daughter.
Her mother also expressed fear, revealing she was scared to watch TV in her front room in case Cosnett appeared.
The 34-year-old, of Pemberley Road, Acocks Green, was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison after pleading guilty to seven counts of breaching a restraining order, two charges of driving while disqualified, criminal damage, and assault.
Judge Sarah Buckingham described the events as a 26-day nightmare for the victims, noting Cosnett’s obsessive behavior and fixations, emphasizing that he was deluded in believing he was entitled to continue his pursuit despite the lack of mutual interest.
She condemned his conduct as cruel and relentless, stating he only thought of himself.
