STALKER STRIKES AGAIN
A woman who was subjected to intimidation and harassment by her controlling ex-partner has appealed for more severe punishments for stalkers, following her ex’s recent court release.John Pennington, who previously lived on Abbeyfield Drive in West Derby, was handed a 13-month sentence, which was suspended for 18 months, after being convicted of stalking that caused fear of violence at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, November 21.
This was not his first offense; in 2019, he was sentenced to two years in prison for stalking a mother of three.
During that incident, he violated a non-molestation order by sending numerous messages and secretly attaching a tracking device to her vehicle.
In April 2022, now residing in Scarborough, the 41-year-old was sentenced to a further two years for new stalking allegations involving a different woman.
One of his former girlfriends, who also claimed to be victimized by Pennington, explained: 'Initially, he appeared charming, but things quickly turned controlling and obsessive, preventing me from moving on.
It’s obvious he hasn’t learned his lesson.
He’s been imprisoned twice, yet his current sentence was suspended.
When will he understand?
What must he do to face real jail time and serve it fully?' She added: 'While police are often the ones doing the investigation, the courts don’t seem to impose sufficiently strict sentences.
If he receives just two years, he would likely be out in less than a year.
It’s an easy ride for him.' Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, harassment and stalking are criminal offenses.
The maximum penalty for stalking that induces fear of violence or causes serious distress is 10 years.
However, Pennington received a suspended sentence this week, allowing him to remain free provided he avoids further offenses for 18 months.
Should he offend again during that period, he could be sent back to prison.
His previous partner remarked that the leniency of the sentence highlighted a broader issue of underestimating the destructive impact of stalking.
She stated: "You can see that the sentence really does not reflect the crime.
Nobody understands how stalking changes your life.
I have no life now.
Everyday things like going to the park, going to the shop, are difficult.
You're always nervous and hypervigilant.
Everyday things seem impossible, even just meeting with friends.
I'm always worried he's going to turn up, and since he's breached restraining orders in the past they clearly don't mean anything to him.
I think tougher sentences are needed."
