STALKER JAILED FOR TERRIFYING EX
A man was sentenced to prison after he sent his former partner a threatening gangsta rap-style video where he implied he would stab her and had ‘put her in the boot’.John Dunbar also sent a second clip showing a person manipulating the bolt of a real .22 rifle, which authorities later confirmed had been stolen during a burglary in Berry Pomeroy the day prior.
Fearing for her safety and that of her young daughter, the victim was compelled to relocate from her Dartmouth residence to a secure location.
She informed police that she was terrified for her life.
The harassment began amid a custody dispute concerning Dunbar’s biological daughter, and he also issued threats to friends of his ex-partner during her visits.
One video showed Dunbar holding a large hunting knife, making stabbing motions, set against a gangsta rap track, while he added his own lyrics threatening her with words like ‘come through and I’m putting you in the boot, ain’t got a clue’ Messages on social media platforms, including Snapchat and Facebook, along with voice notes, contained further threats such as “Watch me, I’m going to deal with you”; “You picked the wrong guy to play games with, mate.”; and “Go on, be a little grass, slag of the year.” The 30-year-old, from Winner Street, Paignton, pleaded guilty to stalking and an unrelated charge of assaulting a police officer.
He was sentenced to three years in prison by Judge David Evans at Exeter Crown Court.
The court also ordered an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex-partner or her friend, and prohibited him from visiting their homes in Dartmouth and Newton Abbot.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Evans noted that Dunbar’s actions, including threatening videos and verbal threats, caused significant distress.
He explained that the most alarming video depicted a firearm, which police identified as a stolen weapon, prompting the victim to seek alternative accommodation for her safety.
Prosecutor Mr Herc Ashworth revealed that Dunbar’s threatening messages and videos were exchanged between June 9 and July 6.
At the time, Dunbar was free on bail after assaulting a police inspector during an attempt to evade arrest for allegedly purchasing drugs in Paignton.
Police managed to read the serial number on the rifle in one of the videos, confirming it was stolen during a break-in.
The victim also submitted a statement expressing fear for her and her daughter, hoping the harassment would stop.
Mr Ed Bailey, defending explained that Dunbar’s ex-partner had previously offered him accommodation after his release from a five-year sentence for drug-related crimes, but issues arose when she asked him to leave.
Bailey suggested the threats could be linked to Dunbar’s mental health conditions, including anxiety and a personality disorder, rather than solely malicious intent.
