OBSESSED EX 'TERRORISED' WOMAN WHILE IN PRISON
James Grant engaged in impersonating a prison officer during telephone communications.A woman, who had previously been in a relationship with him, suffered ongoing harassment from her former boyfriend, James Grant, who persistently bombarded her with calls and threats—despite being incarcerated for similar conduct.
After a brief period of imprisonment, Grant launched his latest harassment campaign the very next day, ignoring a restraining order established against him for prior aggressive behaviour.
He posed as a prison officer in phone calls and even authored a letter claiming it was from a cellmate, but the woman identified his handwriting, exposing his deception, Hull Crown Court was told.
The 36-year-old, residing on West Grove near Hessle Road in Hull, admitted to breaching the restraining order imposed on March 30.
Prosecutor Michael Forrest explained that Grant was forbidden from contacting his ex-girlfriend and from being in the vicinity of Barnsley Street, Hull.
Their relationship lasted around two years, with Grant spending about a year in prison during that time.
His conduct grew more threatening and controlling, with instances of violence.
Having served an eight-week sentence, Grant was subject to a restraining order following his release, yet on March 31, the very day after his release, he used a prison call to repeatedly profess his love to her.
Mr.
Forrest noted that the woman had made it clear their relationship was over.
Grant then inquired if she planned to involve the police, warning her not to 'f*** me off.' On April 15, he made two more calls pretending to be a prison officer, claiming to have received a cancer diagnosis.
Three days later, he sent a handwritten letter, allegedly from a friend inside prison, which the victim recognized as Grant’s handwriting.
He later again claimed to have a cancer diagnosis and asked for forgiveness.
On May 1, another phone call from prison saw him asking who she was with, causing her distress, and questioning if she was with someone.
Additionally, Grant sent handwritten notes to her mother and sister.
Prosecutor Forrest stated: 'The breach occurred soon after the court order was issued, during his period on license.' The woman expressed her fears about Grant's potential release, worried about her safety and her sleep, fearing he might be watching her.
Grant’s previous three-year sentence in January 2020 involved breaching a restraining order and a criminal behaviour order, while his prior stint in 2014 was for perverting the course of justice regarding a rape allegation, where he submitted false letters from the woman and later withdrew her complaint to avoid retrial.
Defence lawyer David Godfrey acknowledged that Grant had pleaded guilty and written an apology, emphasising his remorse and desire to turn his life around.
'He understands the relationship is over and wants to do something positive,' said Mr.
Godfrey.
Judge John Thackray KC addressed Grant: "This is a serious matter.
You have a bad history for this type of offence and this is domestic-related.
You were essentially terrorising your victim from prison.
"This is a persistent breach.
The breach was committed shortly after the order was made.
You have a previous history of disobedience to court orders.
"You terrorised your former partner and committed the offence on licence.
The offence is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified." Grant, who was already in custody, was jailed for one year.
The previous restraining order will continue.
