DOMESTIC ABUSER JAILED FOR STALKING WOMAN OVER NINE-MONTH PERIOD
Lee Coombes caused considerable anxiety and suffering to his victim by engaging in harassment via social media and phone, including making threats and releasing confidential information.The 33-year-old from Sandleaze, Worton, near Devizes, admitted to charges of stalking and harassment.
His sentencing took place at Swindon Crown Court on Monday, 26 February.
Coombes, who has a history of numerous domestic abuse convictions, committed his offences between 15 February 2023 and 5 October 2023.
During a court hearing, the victim read a statement describing the impact: “I was put in extreme fear for months on end.
“I couldn’t complete the simplest of tasks out of fear that I would see him again.
I was always worried that he would find out where I was and if he was to do this then he would hurt me, my family or friends.
“I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone and I have never felt so mentally drained and unwell.” A two-year prison sentence was imposed on Coombes, along with an order to pay a surcharge of £187.
According to PC Jay Clifford, the officer leading the investigation: “Coombes was relentless at trying to contact his victim via phone calls and email for around a year.
On one particular day she received nearly a hundred calls from him.
“When Coombes knew we had been contacted he went on the run and was outstanding for around seven months before he was found hiding in a family member’s home.
“I would like to thank his victim for her bravery in coming forward and her strength throughout this investigation.
Stalking is a crime which has a huge effect on those experiencing it.
“Wiltshire Police take this very seriously and we will respond robustly to reports of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour which intrusively impacts upon people’s lives.
