STALKER JAILED AND BANNED FROM HONITON
Update from June 2025: Kruze Howard, 35, from Cullompton, is wanted by police in connection with a breach of a restraining order has links to South Devon................................................................................................................................................................................................................
A man known for his vindictive behaviour, whose persistent harassment compelled his former partner to leave her residence, has received a jail sentence and will be prohibited from certain areas of Honiton.
Kruze Howard, age 34, was unable to accept the end of his relationship and stalked his ex-partner by sending numerous messages, many of which were abusive.
He appeared at her home on multiple occasions, and suspicion arose that he was secretly monitoring her activities.
He also sent a 14-year-old boy to damage her doorbell camera and created social media profiles which he added her to without her consent.
Fear over her safety and her young daughter whom Howard had fathered during their relationship led her to stop answering calls and to block contact from everyone, including family members.
In a statement detailing the impact, she expressed constant fear and the feeling of being watched.
Howard’s actions escalated to the point where she felt unsafe in her own home and had to leave.
Howard, who was served at an address in Cranbrook, admitted to stalking; the more serious charge of stalking involving the threat of violence was dropped.
At Exeter Crown Court, Judge David Evans sentenced him to 15 weeks in prison.
A restraining order was also imposed for eight years, prohibiting any direct contact except through social services, legal representatives, or the family court relating to child arrangements.
Additionally, Howard was ordered to stay away from parts of Honiton, though the exact locations will be specified later pending an agreed map.
During sentencing, the judge described Howard’s conduct as spiteful, emphasising that his actions stemmed from petty jealousy and a desire to control and intimidate his ex-partner.
He pointed out that Howard continued his harassment even after being arrested and subjected to bail conditions and a domestic violence prevention order.
Prosecutor Miss Felicity Payne noted that the stalking began when the victim ended their relationship in November 2023 and persisted for over two months, causing her significant distress, including her decision to leave her home and block calls from family members.
Howard insisted that they were still together and denied the allegations, claiming they had some interactions despite the break-up.
His messages fluctuated between expressions of love, threats, and insults such as ‘rat,’ ‘skinny c***,’ and ‘scummy mummy.’ Threatening to throw himself off a bridge if she did not take him back, he also disobeyed bail conditions by contacting her shortly after his release.
Mr Nigel Wraith, defending, said Howard does not accept all the allegations and says there was some contact the other way.
He said Howard’s main motivation was a desire to keep in touch with his young daughter.
He said a blanket ban on visiting Honiton would be excessive because he sometimes has to go there for his work as a labourer.
