Urmston man avoids jail after relentless stalking campaign against wife

URMSTON MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER RELENTLESS STALKING CAMPAIGN AGAINST WIFE

Kevin Gallagher, a 39-year-old businessman from Urmston, Greater Manchester, was involved in a lengthy campaign of harassment and stalking against his estranged wife, Rachel Harvey, 37, over seven months following their tumultuous divorce.

Gallagher repeatedly harassed Ms Harvey by bombarding her with text messages, sending explicit images, and stalking her in person.

In a shocking incident, he hid an iPhone under the bonnet of her car to track her movements, which was discovered by police.

The investigation revealed Gallagher used an iPad and multiple phones to surveil his wife, continually demanding her whereabouts and with a history of violence, including previous convictions for assault, including an incident involving his daughter Morgan.

A court heard Ms Harvey describe her life in fear and despair, stating, 'I lived in fear, I just feel empty inside, grieving for my former self and feeling numb.' Despite his plea for a suspended 20-week jail sentence, Gallagher was given a 20-week jail term suspended for two years, a fine, costs, and a ten-year restraining order.

Earlier attempts to imprison him failed when he attempted to avoid sentencing, but the court emphasized the severity of his actions, noting the prolonged period of planning and control he exerted over his wife.

The court was told Gallagher's behavior caused significant emotional and physical suffering to Ms Harvey and her children, leading to hospital visits and ongoing anxiety.'